Record-breaking US sprinter Cogburn has been withdrawn from stud duties at Widden Stud in Australia due to unexpected fertility issues, prompting his return to the United States for further veterinary investigation. Despite a successful first season in Kentucky with 143 mares in foal, Cogburn’s fertility problems emerged during pregnancy scans of his September-covered mares in Australia, disappointing breeders and stud managers alike. Widden principal Antony Thompson and WinStar Farm’s Elliott Walden emphasized the importance of resolving the issue to prepare Cogburn for a successful second season at stud in 2026.

Cogburn, a son of Not This Time and winner of the Grade 1 Jaipur Stakes, was highly anticipated in the Australian market for his speed and pedigree, standing at a fee of $27,500 (inc GST). His arrival was seen as a significant boost amid a challenging year for Australian breeders, marked by the loss of prominent sires like Snitzel, Wootton Bassett, and So You Think. While initial tests have not explained the fertility decline, both Widden and WinStar remain committed to understanding and addressing the problem to secure Cogburn’s future as a valuable shuttle stallion.