A champion juvenile, Pierro destroyed fields, then proved to be a wonderful sire at stud

Pierro (foaled 5 October 2009) is a retired bay horse, he stands at 16.1hh. He was from the fifth crop of the champion racehorse and stallion Lonhro out of the dam Miss Rite Note (IRE) (by Daylami). Pierro had a short racing career, racing in just two seasons and retiring to stud as a three-year-old. He ran in a total of 14 races, with 11 wins and 3 placings, including 5 Group 1 wins. His distances ranged from 1200m to 2040m. He was bred at Musk Creek Farm and sold for $230,000 in the Magic Millions sale. He was an unbeaten Triple Crown winner at two years of age, and a dual Group One winner at three years, earning him the title of both the highest rated Australian juvenile since 1977, and the highest rated 3yo sprinter in the world in 2013.

Pierro began his undefeated two-year-old season in the AJC Breeders' Plate in October 2011. He had a 5-month break before resuming in the Gr.2 Silver Slipper Stakes, which he won. He then ran in the Gr.2 Todman Stakes, which secured him a place in the Gr.1 Golden Slipper. Pierro started the slipper as a $6.50 chance, with the favourite Samaready coming in third to Pierro. With a convincing win in the Slipper, his record went to four unbeaten starts, making him the champion two-year-old colt of the season.

From here, Pierro went on to run in the Gr.1 Inglis Sires Produce Stakes, where he started as second favourite behind the also unbeaten colt All Too Hard, where he notched up another win. The last race of his season, the Gr.1 Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes, where he started as favourite, as both bookies and punters had realised the true magic of the horse that was Pierro. He finished this with another win, finishing off his unbeaten two-year-old season. This incredible season had racing fans excited for the future of this horse, as an unprecedented six wins from six starts in highly competitive races is no mean feat and rare. This season was an incredible one for Pierro, attaining the "Triple Crown" for two-year-olds.

After the champagne stakes, Pierro was spelled for five months before resuming as a three-year-old with the Run to the Rose at Rosehill. Starting as favourite, it was no surprise that Pierro added yet another win to his record. Following this, it was decided that he would be sent to Victoria, in the hopes of winning either the Caulfield Guineas or the Cox Plate, both races longer in distance compared to his usual sprint distances. The first Victoria race Pierro raced in was the Gr.2 Bill Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley, which he won. Following this was the Guineas, and with the step up in distance Pierro couldn't quite get there but still managed a second place. It was then back to the Valley for Pierro to have a crack at the Cox Plate. A big step up in distance to the 2040m distance proved too much for the horse, however he still ran a convincing third, an admirable achievement for such a young sprint star.

After the Victoria trip Pierro was sent back to NSW for a spell in preparation for the Sydney Autumn Carnival, one in which like his two-year-old season, he would dominate. Another 5-month spell proved ideal for Pierro, and he returned fresh in the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes with a win back at his usual 1200m distance. It was then on to the Cantebury Stakes, with another Group One win under his belt. He then geared up for the prestigious George Ryder Stakes, which he won yet again. Pierro's final race was the famous BMW Doncaster. The heavy track and slightly longer distance was too much for the colt, with Pierro running second to Sacred Falls. Following this, the owners decided to retire Pierro and pursue a career as a stallion for the champion colt. He was then sold to Coolmore stud, in a deal rumoured to be worth $30 million. His first seven crops have earned over $85m. His top performers include ARCADIA QUEEN, REGAL POWER, SHADOW HERO, PIERATA, LEVENDI, PINOT, FURORE, OSIPENKO, DRAGON LEAP, ACTION, REELEM IN RUBY, PARIS DIOR, TULIP etc.

RACE RECORD - 14:11-2-1

EARNINGS - $4.5 million

Silver Slipper Stakes (2012)

Todman Stakes (2012)

Golden Slipper Stakes (2012)

ATC Sires' Produce Stakes (2012)

ATC Champagne Stakes (2012)

The Run to the Rose (2012)

Bill Stutt Stakes (2012)

Hobartville Stakes (2013)

Canterbury Stakes (2013)

George Ryder Stakes (2013)