FENCING MASTER, a former high-class two-year-old for Aidan O’Brien, is joining Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud in the Western Cape of South Africa after spending his first years at stud in Zimbabwe.
The nine-year-old is a first-crop son of Oratorio, the sire of seven Group 1 winners who stood at Coolmore until his sale to Avontuur Stud in South Africa in 2012.
Fencing Master‘s first Zimbabwe-conceived runner in South Africa, the Glen Kotzen-trained two-year-old colt Mount Keith, finished second on his debut at Kenilworth in December.
Coolmore bought Fencing Master – a half-brother to Prix de Diane runner-up Millionaia out of Prix Saint-Alary winner Moonlight Dance – for €400,000 from the 2008 Arqana August Yearling Sale.
O’Brien saddled him to win a Dundalk maiden on his debut and to finish second to Beethoven in the Dewhurst Stakes on his second start, giving Oratorio a one-two in the prestigious Group 1.
Fencing Master’s best effort at three came when finishing seventh – beaten four lengths behind Makfi – in the 2,000 Guineas.
He is currently in quarantine for 60 days before travelling to his new home at Hemel ‘n Aarde Stud, also home to stallions Alado, Rock Of Rochelle and Time Thief.-BLOODSTOCK WORLD
