Multiple G1-winner Hukum, winner of G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – ‘the race of the season’ in 2023 – will stand at Overbury Stud from the 2027 season.
The son of Sea The Stars won 11 times – also including the G1 Coronation Cup, plus the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes – brilliantly reeling in Derby winner Desert Crown with a stunning turn of foot – among a haul of six G2 and G3 races. A winner at two, he went on to win at Royal Ascot on his three-year-old debut, defeating multiple G1 winner Subjectivist.
Hukum’s win in the G1 King George of 2023 was his crowning glory, described as ‘without doubt the best race I’ve ever ridden in’ by Champion jockey Jim Crowley. With eight G1 winners in the line-up, Hukum fended off Derby one-two Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel, Irish Champion Stakes winner Luxembourg, and Coronation Cup winner Emily Upjohn before setting down to a tremendous tussle with Irish Derby winner Westover, winning with an exceptional show of speed and enthusiasm. He was rated 130 by Timeform afterwards, and the race itself was rated superior to Daryz’s recent win in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. He is the fourth best by his sire – ahead of Stradivarius, Sea The Moon, Taghrooda, Sosie – and just a pound behind Daryz and Crystal Ocean. His arrival at Overbury makes him the highest-rated stallion son of Sea The Stars in the UK after his full-brother, Baaeed.
Hukum retired to stud in Japan in 2024 and his first crop of yearlings includes two with Godolphin and another, a sales purchase, with Japan’s leading owner Shadai. Hukum has been purchased by Dash Grange Stud, with Shadwell remaining as co-owner.
Jayne McGivern of Dash Grange Stud said, ‘We are absolutely delighted that Hukum will stand in the UK. It isn’t a secret that I have been looking to expand our stallion interest, but finding the right horse is never easy. Hukum was a superb racehorse, athletic, tough, talented and determined, with an explosive turn of foot. He has fantastic conformation and temperament and is an exceptionally exciting addition to those looking to breed a middle-distance horse. Exactly the type I look for and exactly the type needed in our ranks. I’m especially delighted that Shadwell are retaining their connection and interest in him. He’s a huge credit to their breeding operation as his pedigree goes back to Shadwell’s foundation mare Height Of Fashion, who holds special significance for his breeder, the late Sheikh Hamdan. I’m thrilled to be standing him at Overbury Stud alongside Golden Horn and, like him, he’s bound to attract mares for both codes. I’m sure breeders will be very impressed with him when they see him, just as I was.’
Mark Dean, Shadwell’s head of stallions, said, ‘We believe that, in partnership with Jayne and under the management of Simon and his team, Hukum will have every opportunity to establish himself as a successful stallion in both Flat and National Hunt racing. His exceptional race record, iconic Shadwell pedigree and admirable toughness make him an exciting addition to the Overbury roster. We look forward to following his progress with great interest.’”
Overbury has a rich and proven history of standing elite middle-distance and staying stallions, most notably the outstanding champion stayer and sire Kayf Tara, and more recently Golden Horn. Simon Sweeting of Overbury Stud, said, ‘I’d thoroughly recommend that breeders take a few minutes to enjoy Hukum’s big-race wins – the videos are on our website. That King George of his was as thrilling a race as you could wish to see, and not for nothing his win that day rated even higher than Daryz’s victory in the Arc earlier in the month. He’s a beautifully balanced horse, an excellent mover – and it’s a great testament to his character and temperament that he came back from a leg fracture sustained winning the Coronation Cup to be even better and even faster the following season. Sons of Sea The Stars are siring leading Group winning Flat horses, and making a stir in the jumping ranks too. As one of his very best sons, I’m confident Hukum will soon be doing the same.’
For further information, please go to ovstud.co.uk or call Simon on 07796 174926.