Stallion Spotlight Presented By NYTB Inc.: Newgrange
Newgrange, a multiple Grade 2-winning son of Violence, will stand his first season at Sequel New York in 2026
Stallion Spotlight offers stud farm representatives a chance to address breeders and answer questions as they plan their future matings.
In this edition, Carlos Manresa of Sequel New York discusses Newgrange, a multiple Grade 2-winning son of Violence who will stand his debut season in 2026.
Newgrange
Dk. b. or br. h., 2019, Violence x Bella Chianti, by Empire Maker
Race Record: 17-7-0-4; $1,014,584
Advertised Fee: $5000
Question: What makes Newgrange an attractive stallion for potential breeders?
Carlos Manresa, Sequel New York: Newgrange is a five-time graded stakes-winning millionaire that displayed speed, stamina and soundness throughout his career. He is by up-and-coming sire of sires, Violence and physically has the characteristics that can improve virtually all mares.
If I’ve got a mare that needs help from a stallion from a conformation standpoint, what can Newgrange best contribute?
Manresa: It may sound cliché, but Newgrange truly checks all the boxes. Standing 16.2 hands and very well balanced, he was built to carry speed over distance. His body reflects the athleticism of a horse who could set the pace and maintain it, traits that can complement a wide range of mares.
What would a breeder looking to capture the magic of his sire Violence find familiar in Newgrange?
Manresa: You can see a lot of Violence as well as his own sire, Medaglia d’Oro, in Newgrange. The sire line is known for producing strong, scopey, athletic horses that carry their speed over distance both as young horses and older horses. Physically, both Newgrange and Violence have a striking presence that we know breeders will love.
Newgrange was a winner from two to five and a graded stakes winner from three to five, winning races from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. Do you foresee a particular sweet spot in terms of age, distance, surface, pedigree lines, etc. in terms of what might work best for him?
Manresa: Newgrange’s versatility is one of his defining strengths, he showed class from a range of distances and conditions. That said, we think they will likely be precocious enough to win at two and continue to progress with maturity, showing their best from seven furlongs to 1 1/16 miles, especially on dirt.
Newgrange did his best running as he got older, but he was still a first-out winner at two. In your experience, how important is to have some degree of 2-year-old success when it comes to forecasting a stallion prospect, even if they’re best known for their later campaigns?
Manresa: Early success is always encouraging. It shows both maturity and natural ability. Newgrange continued to develop into a tougher, more complete horse with age but the fact that he was a debut winner at two speaks to his innate talent. In stallion prospects, that combination is ideal. You really want a horse that’s precocious enough to show early ability, but durable and sound enough to carry that form forward. Newgrange checks both boxes, he was early, but he got better with every season, which is exactly the kind of balance breeders look for.
What makes Newgrange a good fit for the New York program?
Manresa: Newgrange is a perfect fit for the New York program because he brings graded stakes-winning class, versatility, and durability to a region that rewards consistency and toughness. He was successful from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, won at ages two to five, and earned over $1 million. These are traits that translate exceptionally well to the NY-bred incentives and race structure.
Physically, he’s a strong, correct, athletic horse who’ll complement a wide range of mares, and as Violence’s only son standing in New York, he offers breeders access to a proven, commercial sire line with fresh appeal.
Newgrange spent the bulk of his career racing in California. Are there any challenges when it comes to introducing New York breeders to a new stallion that they didn’t see run in their backyard, and if so, what do you do to overcome that?
Manresa: Although Newgrange never raced in New York, he’s far from an unknown. He competed in 12 graded stakes against some of the toughest Grade 1 winners from New York, Kentucky, and California alike. New York breeders are savvy and do their homework, they recognize proven class when they see it. While many horses of his caliber end up in Kentucky, we’re fortunate to have one of this quality standing here in New York.
Which race do you think does the best job to describe what Newgrange is all about?
Manresa: It’s tough to single out just one race, but two really capture who Newgrange is. Watching him win the Grade 3 Sham Stakes as a 3-year-old and then come back two years later to defend his title in the G2 San Pasqual at five, you see the same horse—quick from the gate, going straight to the lead, and pulling away from the field. What’s most impressive is that, despite changes in trainers, riders, and ownership, he delivered the same level of professionalism, determination, and class every time he stepped on the track.
What is something about Newgrange that you think goes overlooked?
Manresa: Newgrange has been impressive from the very beginning. As a yearling, he was selected by Donato Lanni for the powerhouse partnership of SF, Starlight, and Madaket, a group known for identifying future stallions. The combination of Donato and Bob Baffert is widely recognized as one of the most successful talent-spotting teams in the country, and they clearly saw something special in Newgrange. From day one, he has looked the part, and he’s lived up to every bit of that promise.
What else should breeders know about Newgrange before picking up the phone?
Manresa: For New York breeders, Newgrange represents a chance to access a stallion of his caliber without leaving the state. He’s backed by a strong New York and Kentucky syndicate and will have significant support from leading farms such as Newtown Anner, Three Diamonds, Sequel, and many more, ensuring both quality and visibility for his offspring.