The dominance of Zoustar in Australian breeding circles has reached its pinnacle, with the Widden Stud star claiming the coveted Champion Stallion title for the 2024/25 season. In doing so, he ended I Am Invincible’s three-year hold on the award, capping off a year of extraordinary success.

Zoustar’s progeny amassed $26.3 million in stakes earnings, a figure that secured him the title ahead of I Am Invincible and Pride Of Dubai. The versatile sire produced 198 individual winners who combined for 335 wins—20 more than I Am Invincible, who nonetheless topped the table for individual winners.

Widden principal Antony Thompson said the title carried significant meaning for the historic Hunter Valley farm. “It’s a very special achievement. It’s been nearly 35 years since Marscay was Champion Stallion, and Zoustar’s success continues Widden’s tradition of producing elite sires,” Thompson said. “To achieve this at just 15 years old, with so much still ahead of him, makes it even more exciting.”

Among Zoustar’s biggest earners this season were dual Group 1 winner Joliestar, Growing Empire, and William Reid Stakes winner Schwarz. Zoustar now joins an elite group of stallions, becoming only the fourth different Champion Sire in the last nine seasons alongside I Am Invincible, Snitzel and Written Tycoon. He also follows in the footsteps of his grandsire Encosta De Lago, who won the title in 2007 and 2008.

Zoustar stands this season at a service fee of $275,000 including GST. Meanwhile, Vinery Stud celebrated first-season sire honours with Ole Kirk, whose standout progeny included Breeders Plate winner King Kirk and Magic Millions heroine O’ Ole. Too Darn Hot backed up last season’s first-season title by winning the second-season award, while Harry Angel claimed Champion Third-Season Sire honours for Darley.