Snitzel reclaims Australian Champion Stallion title for 2025/26

Snitzel, the Arrowfield Stud stallion, secured the Australian Champion Stallion title for the 2025/26 season, becoming only the second sire to regain the honour after a period of at least four consecutive premierships. The only other stallion to achieve this was the legendary Star Kingdom, who reclaimed the title in 1965 after four straight wins in the early 1960s.

Snitzel’s progeny earned $26,029,187 in prize money, more than $4 million ahead of runner‑up Zoustar, delivering his fifth Champion Stallion crown a decade after his first. The late stallion, who died in June at almost 22 years old, was represented by 291 runners that produced 146 individual winners and 226 total victories. His offspring claimed six Group 1 wins, including the Moir Stakes (Baraqiel), Toorak Handicap (Transatlantic), Coolmore Classic (Lazzura), The Galaxy (Marhoona), ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Campione D’Italia) and the Champagne Stakes (Fireball).

Arrowfield Stud principal John Messara praised Snitzel, saying he “started off in a fairly humble way… built his record up and now he’s very much at the top of the game,” and expressed gratitude for the stallion’s contributions to Australian breeding.