Tapit to again stand for $300,000

North America’s reigning leading sire, Tapit, is once again likely to be the most expensive stallion on the continent for 2016, as his stud fee will remain at $300,000 at Gainesway in Lexington, Ky.

The Grade 1-winning son of Pulpit’s book will be limited to 135 mares.

Tapit’s fee was boosted to $300,000 following the 2014 season, in which he set a single-season North American progeny earnings record, fueled by champion Untapable and classic winner Tonalist. He became the first stallion to stand for that amount since 2008, when Storm Cat, A.P. Indy, and Distorted Humor each commanded that fee.

Untapable and Tonalist both returned to win Grade 1 races for Tapit in 2015. His runners this season also include Grade 1 winners Frosted, Constitution, and Ring Weekend; Preakness Stakes third-place finisher Divining Rod; and multiple graded stakes winner Race Day.

Gainesway also announced that Empire Maker, owned by the farm and Don Alberto Corp., will stand for $100,000 in 2016, his first season back in the U.S. The son of Unbridled had stood in Japan since the 2011 season.

Empire Maker, who scored his biggest career victory in the 2003 Belmont Stakes, is represented by three-time champion Royal Delta and Grade 1 winners Acoma, Bodemeister, Country Star, Emollient, Grace Hall, Icon Project, In Lingerie, Mushka, and Pioneerof the Nile. Pioneerof the Nile sired Triple Crown winner American Pharoah from his second crop.

Gainesway's complete roster and fees:

Afleet Alex - $12,500
Afleet Express - TBD
Birdstone - $5,000 or complimentary for approved mares
Empire Maker - $100,000
Hat Trick - $7,500 / $10,000 Breed Secure
Karakontie - $15,000
Tapit - $300,000
Tapizar- $15,000
To Honor and Serve - $15,000 / $20,000 Breed Secure