The unforgettable Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) winner joins the sires with first yearlings this season
By Diego H. Mitagstein
When it comes to horses with heart, Village King is a name that quickly comes to mind. It still seems surreal to recall his farewell to the racetrack in the ultimate blaze of glory, when on December 11, 2021, he demolished his rivals in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1)—just hours after his connections nearly scratched him due to persistent health concerns that had long been his Achilles' heel.
Yet, his courage and class—the very qualities that made him one of the standout Argentine-bred runners in recent years—propelled him to a thunderous ovation as he crossed the wire nine lengths ahead of Miriñaque (Hurricane Cat), another notable reference from the modern era.
Now enjoying a peaceful retirement as a stallion at Haras Chenaut, Village King will see his first yearlings hit the sales ring this season, surrounded by high expectations. His debut crop consists of 55 foals, marking the next chapter in his remarkable career.
Bred by Haras Santa María de Araras, Village King raced exclusively in the silks of Stud Haras El Ángel de Venecia, the same operation now overseeing his stud career. He competed both in Argentina and the United States, delivering top performances in both hemispheres.
Under the care of Carlos D. Etchechoury, he never finished worse than third in his 12 local starts, winning nine of them. Beyond his unforgettable Pellegrini triumph, he also secured victories in the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), Gran Premio Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz (G1), and Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (G2). His resume further includes triumphs in the Clásico Ensayo (G3), Clásico Progreso (G3), and Clásico Porteño (G3).
A model of consistency, Village King also placed third in the Pellegrini in 2017 and 2020, second in the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1), and suffered only one other defeat—on his debut—rounding out a stellar campaign.
In the United States, under Todd Pletcher, he overcame physical setbacks to capture the Red Smith Stakes (L) at Aqueduct while also finishing third in the Pan American Stakes (G2), fourth in the Harlan’s Holiday Stakes (L), and fifth in the Mac Diarmida Stakes (G2).
Village King represents the enduring Mr. Prospector (Raise a Native) sire line, descending from Kingmambo, whose son Campanologist produced this Argentine champion. A globe-trotter for Godolphin, Campanologist left just three crops in Argentina before his untimely passing due to colic in 2015, shortly after returning to Germany, where he was based.
Village King was by far his best progeny, though he also sired Tiger Feet, winner of the Gran Premio General San Martín (G1) in 2018 for Stud Tramo 20.
On the dam side, Village King hails from the Lady Be Good (Better Self) family, an elite runner in the late 1950s and early ’60s who founded a global dynasty of top-class performers.
His first crop has been backed by prominent breeders, including Haras Orilla del Monte, La Nora, El Gusy, Chenaut, El Paraíso, and Santa María de Araras. Among the high-quality mares sent to him are Real Moon (Stay Thirsty), Chorister Rye (Catcher In the Rye), Jaynella (Curlinello), Royal Ballerina (City Banker), Bold Freud (Freud), Che Silvina (Greenspring), and La Fantastique (Le Blues).
Argentine-bred stars have consistently made an impact at stud when given a reasonable opportunity, and there’s no reason Village King shouldn’t follow in that tradition. With stamina becoming an increasingly rare commodity, his influence could be key for owners targeting Argentina’s premier turf events over extended distances.
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