Krug has been retired and is standing at stud

After starring at every level of harness racing, Krug (Bettor’s Delight) will now attempt to reach ever greater heights in the breeding barn.

Trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety have retired their outstanding pacer who has headed to embark on a siring career at Phoebe Standardbreds.

Krug signs off his time on the track a four-time Group winner with more than $800,000 in career earnings for owners Chrissie Dalgety, Mike Hanning, McKerrow Bloodstock Ltd, Gary Merlo, Phil Creighton, Margaret Creighton, Grant Dickey and Ken Cummings.

Cran Dalgety admits there is sadness in saying goodbye to one of the best horses he has trained, but the trainer is excited about what Krug can do next in his career.

“Horses as good as him don’t come along too often, he is in a rare category in that he won Group 1 races as a two and three-year-old, then in open company,” Dalgety said.

“He took us on an amazing ride right from the moment he hit the track.”

“We will miss him but it is exciting that he is getting his opportunity at stud.”

Krug’s first Group 1 win came in just his third start in the Young Guns Cardigan Bay Stakes.

The pacing star would then go on to join an elite group to win both the Group 1 Northern Derby and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby.

Those deeds saw the blueblood stallion crowned both New Zealand two and three-year-old colt or gelding of the year.

Next came a special moment for the entire Dalgety family when Carter Dalgety drove Krug to win the Group 1 Invercargill Cup.

When it comes to picking a highlight from his illustrious career, Dalgety is spoilt for choice.

“There were certainly plenty to choose from, the Northern Derby was out of this world.”

“You just don’t see races like that these days, it was incredible.”

“The New Zealand Derby was very special, being back at home at Addington, it’s a race every trainer strives to win.”

“The Invercargill Cup was another huge thrill, he was poetry in motion that day and never looked like getting beat.”

“It was Carter’s first Group 1, with the family there, it was very special.”

Blair Orange drove Krug as a two and three-year-old before Carter Dalgety took the reins.

The junior driver formed a special bond with the star pacer who helped launch his driving career.

“He is just the man, the places he took me and enjoyment I got being by his side makes him my all-time favourite,” Carter said.

“The trips to Australia, Auckland and of course Invercargill, the memories along the way are all thanks to him.”

“He is a lot more than just a racehorse to me.”

“I can’t wait to drive some of his progeny, because if they’re anything like him, there is a lot more fun to be had.”

Being by the greatest stallion of all time in Bettor’s Delight from a champion mare in Champagne Princess, the Dalgetys have high hopes Krug can make his mark in the breeding barn.

“He was a $155,000 yearling, and from a great family that has stood the test of time,” Cran said.

“We loved him from the moment we got him home.

“His gait, speed, stamina and his attitude were all first class.”

“He really had all of the attributes a good horses needed and his record reflects that.”

Krug retires a 20 race winner having banked $813,165 in stakes and with a 1.49.9 mile to his name.

The stallion will stand at Phoebe Standardbreds in Canterbury at a service fee of $2500 + GST.

by Jonny Turner, for Harness Racing New Zealand