Curlin's fee boosted to $100,000

Two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who enjoyed an outstanding season with his progeny this year, will get a major fee hike to $100,000 for 2016, Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms announced on Monday.

The son of Smart Strike stood for $35,000 in 2015 at Lane’s End Farm, where he began his stud career in 2009. He moved to Hill ‘n’ Dale, which bought an interest in him earlier this year, in the fall.

"The rise of Curlin as an elite sire of Grade 1 winners, on any surface at any distance of either sex, makes him a unique choice for breeders,” Hill ‘n’ Dale president John G. Sikura said. “He has three outstanding Grade 1 winners this year, and the best is yet to come. We will support him with our best mares and encourage our clients to do the same.”

Sikura added that Curlin’s book will initially be limited to 125 mares, with the potential to add a handful more late in the season.

Curlin’s runners in 2015 were led by Keen Ice, who defeated Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes after finishing third to the champion in the Belmont Stakes and second in the Haskell Invitational. He was also represented by Grade 1 winners Stellar Wind and Curalina, who finished second and third, respectively, in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.