Ironhorse Stallions Sets 2026 Stud Fee For Bucchero At $12.5k

[Wandering Eyes]

Edited Press Release

Ironhorse Stallions's Bucchero (by Kantharos–Meetmeontime, by General Meeting), the sire of MGISW Book'em Danno, will stand the 2026 breeding season for $12,500, with an early-bird discount available through Dec. 31 for mares foaling in New York and a breeder-friendly mare cap of 140, the farm said in a release on Saturday morning.

With the fewest named foals of the top 15 fourth-crop sires, Bucchero continues to distinguish himself among the elite of his generation. Competing alongside comparable rising stars such as Girvin (by Tale of Ekati) who will stand for $30,000 in 2026 and Army Mule (by Friesan Fire), standing for $25,000, Bucchero has led both throughout the year, despite covering mares with a lower average quality index. The Comp. Index (C.I.) of mares bred to Girvin is 1.26, to Army Mule 1.18, and to Bucchero 1.03, demonstrating that Bucchero's foals continue to perform well above expectations.

“While we recognize that Bucchero's credentials and performance could justify a larger rise in his stud fee, we wanted to send a clear message,” said Harlan Malter, managing partner of Ironhorse Stallions. “With the top stallion in New York, our goal is to be partners with breeders, to make top-quality stallions accessible at a level that allows loyal New York breeders not just to survive, but to thrive. We believe that kind of collaboration is what will strengthen and grow this program for years to come.”

Further underscoring his consistency, Bucchero leads all fourth-crop sires with 100 or more starters in two key productivity measures: over 60% winners from named foals, and an impressive 82% starters from named foals. These numbers highlight the hallmark of the Bucchero line, durability, soundness, and the ability to compete and win at a remarkably high rate.

“Bucchero just keeps showing up where it matters,” said John Dowd of Ironhorse Stallions. “He's proven he belongs in the same conversation as the top young sires in the country, and he's done it the right way, through consistency, toughness, and results. When you pair that with the opportunities in the New York-bred and New York-sired programs, it's an unbeatable formula for breeders who want both quality and value.”

Bucchero's success has carried through to the sales ring, where demand for his progeny continues to surge. His 2025 yearlings sold strongly at Fasig-Tipton New York Yearlings and OBS October, highlighted by a $240,000 yearling sold just a few miles from Saratoga Race Course, the same venue where Book'em Danno swept a historic Trifecta of graded sprint victories this summer.

Along with Book'em Danno, a leading contender for the Eclipse Award for champion male sprinter, Bucchero is also the sire of MGSW Queen Maxima and MSW Buccherino. The New York-based stallion is also on track to repeat his 2024 status as top synthetic sire in the U.S., further proof of his ability to sire fast, durable and versatile runners across all surfaces.

Standing at Ironhorse Stallions in Schuylerville, New York, Bucchero offers breeders the rare chance to access a proven national-caliber sire while staying in-state and taking advantage of one of the most lucrative breeding incentive programs in North America.

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