When Do I Get to Retire to Stud?

Written by slanch

Tuesday, 04 August 2009 13:33

darley_3a

The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has many investments around the globe, perhaps none as interesting as his 2001 purchase of the Jonabell farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Renamed Darley Farms, the horse-breeding operation is one of many owned by the Sheikh in 6 different countries.

A rabid horse-racing fan, the Sheikh uses Darley as both a stud-farm to other horse-owners and to breed his own thouroughbreds with an eye towards winning the Kentucky Derby. Commanding anywhere between $7,500 and $150,000 for every successful "session," the 17 studs regularly "work" 3 times a day with a goal of impregnating 2,000 mares a year. Among the stallions in residence are Holy Bull, ranked 64th out of the top 100 horses of the 20th century, 2005 Preakness winner Bernardini, and 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense.

As well, Affirmed, the 1978 Triple Crown winner, is buried on the grounds of Darley -- standing UP under a statue honoring him. Not a bad life it seems for these stallions -- most of whom raced under a dozen times for their careers -- that now get to hang out, have sex three times a day and otherwise are totally pampered and have nothing else to do. Not a bad gig if you can get it.

Every morning at Darley Farms they pressure wash the mating barn, prior to readying the room for the veterinarian and setting up video cameras to record the magic. No outside photography is permitted because apparently the Sheikh is the only one who gets to enjoy horse porn. There are also daily tours available for those interested. I highly HIGHLY encourage you to check out the full gallery and story at Wired, the pictures are great, the captions informative and, hey, who doesn't like hearing about some horse-on-horse action?

[Wired via Liebtag.org]