The National Stud and Sam Sangster Bloodstock have announced that this year’s Prix Jacques le Marois winner Diego Velazquez has been retired to take up stud duties in 2026.

Acquired by his new connections following victory in the Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh in July, Diego Velazquez went on to land a breakthrough top-level victory in gritty style when defeating the likes of Classic winner Notable Speech and Royal Ascot hero Docklands in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville in August.

The son of Frankel – who cost 2,400,000gns as a yearling from the Tattersalls Book 1 sale and is a three parts brother to multiple Group 1 winner Broome and multiple Group winning & Group 1-placed Point Lonsdale - was subsequently disappointing when only fifth in the Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes in Keeneland.

With connections opting not to head to the Breeders' Cup with Aidan O'Brien's colt, he will be retired to stand at The National Stud in 2026.

Sam Sangster, co-owner and syndicate manager, said: "A Group 2 winner at two and three years with a very emotional Group 1 to his name at four, we're incredibly proud to offer Diego Velazquez to breeders in 2026.

"Diego Velazquez has it all, a superb-looking son of Frankel from a great family, with an attitude to die for, he has all the attributes you need to be a success at stud."

Aidan O'Brien added: "We always thought the world of Diego Velazquez.

"He has always been a very good horse, and I'm so delighted for Sam, he's a very legitimate and desirable horse, he deserved to win his Group 1…

"He's a great model and is determined and very brave."

A fee will be announced in due course.