Son of Zoustar wins Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint

Starlust gained his breakthrough victory at the highest level when coming late to claim the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, another Gr.1 success on the international stage for his sire Zoustar. Starlust was conceived at Tweenhills, where Zoustar stood five breeding seasons.

Starlust was a Gr.3 winner as a 2yo in 2023 and added a high-end handicap and Listed race to his CV this summer. He had also finished a close 3^rd in the Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes behind Bradsell and Believing before an unlucky run in the Gr.1 Prix de l’Abbaye, again behind the same pair as well as winner Makarova.

Starlust lined up as a 34/1 chance in the Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar and was given a superb ride by Rossa Ryan to get up near the line, winning by a neck and a nose from Motorious and AG Bullet.

Starlust has been a wonderful advert for Zoustar and becomes a second Gr.1 winner by the sire trained by Ralph Beckett after Lezoo, winner of the 2022 Cheveley Park Stakes.

Starlust is owned by Dr Jim & Fitri Hay and was purchased by Dermot Farrington for 55,000gns at the Tattersalls Book 2 Yearling Sale. He was bred by Steve Parkin’s Branton Court Stud and consigned by Barton Stud as a yearling. Congratulations to all connections!