Top European miler Charyn, by Dark Angel, could race two more times before retiring to stud at Sumbe in France. The 4-year-old, owned by Nurlan Bizakov, will begin his stallion career after the current racing season, joining the roster at Haras de Montfort et Preaux.
Bizakov announced on Oct. 8 that Charyn, the standout miler and winner of the Queen Anne Stakes and Prix Jacques le Marois, will retire to Sumbe’s stud at the end of this season. Charyn is scheduled to run in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot on British Champions' Day, Oct. 19. There is also a possibility he could compete in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar or Japan's Mile Championship (G1) before retiring.
Charyn will join other Group 1 winners, including Mishriff, Golden Horde, Belbek, and Angel Bleu, at Sumbe. Bizakov expressed excitement about Charyn’s future as a stallion, highlighting the anticipation surrounding his next chapter.
Bred by Guy O'Callaghan's Grangemore Stud, Charyn comes from a strong bloodline, being a full brother to Mill Reef Stakes winner Wings of War. In his career, Charyn has shown exceptional consistency, finishing outside the top three in only three of his 17 starts. In addition to his two Group 1 victories, he has placed in four other Group 1 races, including a second-place finish in the Prix du Moulin (G1).
Charyn’s trainer, Roger Varian, praised the colt for his durability and class, noting that he was precocious enough to win on debut as a 2-year-old and has remained a top performer through his 3- and 4-year-old seasons.
Charyn is one of 17 individual Group 1 winners sired by Dark Angel, known for producing horses with speed and tenacity. His full sister, a 2-year-old, was sold for 850,000gns last year, and his yearling full sister is set to be auctioned at Tattersalls on Oct. 9.