Ballyhane Stud stalwart and group 1 sire Dandy Man has died at the age of 20.
Dandy Man was from the sole crop of champion sprinter Mozart and out of Molecomb Stakes (G3) winner Lady Alexander. He was a 32,000gns purchase from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale by Tracey Collins when offered by breeder Mountarmstrong Stud. He proved a shrewd buy and a talented performer for Collins’ late father, Con, and then Tracey herself.
A winner of the 2006 Palace House Stakes (G3) at Newmarket, Dandy Man also placed in the Nunthorpe (G1) and King’s Stand Stakes (G2). He was retired to Ballyhane in County Carlow for an opening fee of €4,500—that would reach a career-best €15,000 from 2020-2023—and proved a dependable source of high-class talent during his 14 years on duty. His 59 black-type performers include 14 individual group winners, including group/grade 1 winners River Boyne , La Pelosa, and Peniaphobia, the first-named these days standing at Tara Stud.
Stud owner Joe Foley said: “Dandy Man had been a great friend to so many people, starting with Con and Tracey Collins, and especially to all of us here at Ballyhane. It was very hard to say goodbye to him, and we’re grateful for all that he’s given us over the years he’s been here with us. He was like a member of our family. I would also like to add a special word of gratitude to breeders who used him over the years.”
