16.1hh Liver Chestnut Thoroughbred Stallion
Straticus (Simply Heroic) x Love Felony (Created)
Esplanade is a classic late-blooming dirt star: a colt who started as a solid 3yo stakes performer and matured into a genuine top-level older horse, peaking with major Grade 1 victories in New York.
Key Facts
Race Record: 23 starts (16 stakes) – 10 (7)-4 (3)-6 (4); $1,704,600
Surfaces: Top-level winner on dirt with graded placings on turf
Distances: Stakes victories from 7 furlongs up to 11 furlongs, G1-placed at 12 furlongs
Campaign Footprint: North America · Australia
Esplanade brings classic dirt stamina, toughness, and versatility to the breeding shed, with a record built on hard races in real company.
Group 1 Wins (2)
Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1, 10f dirt, 3yo+) – Signature classic victory against older horses, stamping him as a top-tier dirt router.
The Black Breeders' Stakes (G1, 11f dirt, 4yo+) – Sealed his G1 credentials over a true staying trip late in his 5yo season.
Other Stakes Wins
A.G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G2, 6.5f dirt,) – Sharp sprint win showing he could drop back in trip and still dominate seasoned sprinters.
Lonesome Glory Breeders' Stakes (G2, 9f dirt, 4yo+) – Authoritative middle-distance score to round out a strong older-horse campaign.
South Pacific Classic (G3, 7f dirt, 3yo) – His first graded victory, confirming his class on an international stage.
Sham Stakes (UNG, 9f dirt, 3yo) – Breakout 3yo performance that kicked off his stakes résumé.
Round Table Stakes (UNG, 8.5f dirt, 3yo) – Followed up with another solid stakes win, underscoring his consistency around two turns.
Notable Placings in Elite Company
3rd – Queensland Derby (G1, 12f) –
3rd – Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1, 10f)
3rd – Riva Ridge Breeders' Cup (G2, 6.5f)
3rd – San Felipe Stakes (G2, 8f)
2nd – Queensland Stakes (G2, 8f)
2nd – Doomben Classic (G3, 8f turf)
He also contested major global targets like the Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Manikato Stakes (G1), often facing deep, international fields while still compiling a high-percentage, hard-knocking career that makes him a serious stallion prospect.