Hofburg, a classic-placed stakes winner, will begin his stud career at Haras Santa Maria de Araras in Brazil, according to the South American racing publication Turf Diario.
The 5-year-old son of Tapit raced as a homebred for Juddmonte Farms, and was trained by Bill Mott, winning three of 11 starts for earnings of $554,300.
After breaking his maiden in his 3-year-old debit, Hofburg tested the Grade 1 Florida Derby, where he finished second to Audible. This qualified him for the 2018 Kentucky Derby, where he gained ground in the stretch after a rough trip to finish seventh behind eventual Triple Crown winner Justify.
Hofburg's gaining trip in the Derby, paired with Tapit's growing tradition of success in the Belmont Stakes, led the colt to go off as the second choice in the third leg of the Triple Crown, where he ultimately finished third. He came back a month later to win the Curlin Stakes at Saratoga, then ran fourth in the G1 Pennsylvania Derby.
The horse racing sparingly after his 3-year-old season, winning a Saratoga allowance optional claiming race in his lone start at four, then going unplaced in a pair of graded stakes earlier this year.
Hofburg is out of the placed Touch Gold mare Soothing Touch, making him a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Emollient and Grade 2-placed stakes winner Courtier.
Other notable North American horses that have resided at Haras Santa Maria de Araras include Put It Back – the sire of Brazilian Triple Crown winner and current Calumet Farm stallion Bal a Bali – and Wild Event.
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