Deal of the Year: Dabster to Stand at Firmamento in 2025

In a strategic move that underscores its commitment to excellence, Haras Firmamento, the iconic breeding operation led by Juan Carlos Bagó, has reached an agreement with Stud Al Adiyaat to acquire the services of Dabster (Curlin), one of the most sought-after stallions standing in Argentina

Dabster: A Stallion with a Standout Presence / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

One of the most significant developments of the local breeding season was confirmed Tuesday, with news that Dabster, Argentina's current leading first-crop sire, will continue his stud career at Haras Firmamento, one of the country’s most prestigious operations.

Previously standing at Haras La Mission Robles, the son of Curlin moves to his new home following an agreement reached between Firmamento and representatives of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Dabster’s owner. The striking chestnut will now join a roster that already includes Slow Down Andy (Nyquist) and The Great Day (Harlan’s Holiday).

“We had been searching for a proven stallion to replace Maxfield (Street Sense), whose contract ended after two seasons,” said Ezequiel Valle, a key member of Firmamento’s team. “Given Dabster’s remarkable recent success, we explored the possibility during an informal conversation with Alejandro García Romero, manager of Al Adiyaat. The talks progressed quickly and we were able to finalize a strategic partnership that benefits both sides.”

Valle added: “The agreement will allow Dabster to increase his book to 120 mares, which gives us a larger quota for covering Firmamento’s own broodmares. For Al Adiyaat, the horse will now be located virtually next door, sparing the logistics of transporting mares to La Mission Robles. For us, this is a major addition. Dabster is a stallion Juan Carlos Bagó is passionate about, and he will be a key figure in our rejuvenated stallion lineup, giving us a reliable and proven option.”

Out of On a Roll (A.P. Indy) and a $1 million purchase by the Sheikh as a 2-year-old in the U.S., Dabster won 5 of his 13 starts, earning $347,656. He captured the Harry F. Brubaker S. (L) at Del Mar and the Los Alamitos Special S. (L), while also placing in several graded stakes, including runner-up efforts in the G2 Marathon S. and G3 Native Diver S., and third-place finishes in the G2 San Diego H. and G2 San Antonio S.

A half-brother to graded winner Doctor Mounty (Street Sense), Dabster hails from the female family of G1 winner A. P. Indian and the brilliant Fit for a Queen (Fit to Fight). With just his second crop racing in Argentina, Dabster has already sired 16 winners from only 27 runners, among them G1 winners Ooty and Gran Mirella (both now exported), and the stakes winners Mago Beto, Causeway Girl, Una Bataclana, and Es Mío.

The Firmamento–Al Adiyaat partnership brings together two of the most powerful names in South American breeding and gives Dabster the opportunity to solidify his status as one of the region’s most influential sires. It’s a win-win situation—for both parties and for the local industry at large.