Dunkirk sold to Japan for stud duty

Classic-placed runner and young sire Dunkirk has been sold to the Japan Race Horse Agency to stand at East Stud on the island of Hokkaido beginning in 2015, Thoroughbred Daily News reports.

The 8-year-old son of Unbridled’s Song had been based at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Ky. since entering stud in 2010. He stood the 2014 season for an advertised fee of $15,000, and shuttled to South America to stand the Southern Hemisphere season in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

Dunkirk, who was sold for an undisclosed price, will be shipped to Japan in October to stand for a fee to be determined later.

Dunkirk’s first foals are 3-year-olds of 2014, led by Grade 1 winner and Eclipse Award finalist Havana. His other leading runners include Grade 3 winner Dunkin Bend, and stakes winners Shock Hazard, Alamo Heights, and Conniption Fit.

Bred in Kentucky by William S. Farish, James Elkins, and W.T. Webber Jr., Dunkirk was $3.7 million purchase by the Coolmore partnership at the 2007 Keeneland September yearling sale, He raced five times for the ownership group, winning twice for earnings of $393,200, and finishing second in the 2009 editions of the Belmont Stakes and Florida Derby.

Dunkirk is out of the multiple Grade 1-winning A.P. Indy mare Secret Status, winner of the 2000 Kentucky Oaks, who is the dam of four winners from eight starters.