King Ottoman, a multiple Grade 3-placed stakes winner, will begin his stud career in Saudi Arabia during the 2026 breeding season as part of Saudi-based FMQ Stables’ Elite Stallion Lending Program.

The 6-year-old son of Curlin’s stud career will be managed by Faisal Mohammed Alqahtani’s FMQ Stables on behalf of Gonçalo Borges Torrealba’s Three Chimneys Farm, who campaigned the horse as a homebred.

“Mr. Gonçalo further emphasized his full support for the program and for Saudi Arabia’s breeders, aiming to elevate the quality and competitiveness of Saudi racing stock,” a statement from FMQ Stables read.

King Ottoman finished his career with two wins in 19 starts for earnings of $464,618.

Initially trained by Steve Asmussen, King Ottoman broke his maiden in May of his 3-year-old season when he got up at the wire to win the Texas Derby at Lone Star Park by a head. He followed up that win with a third-place effort in the Grade 3 Indiana Derby, and he finished the season with a narrow runner-up finish in the G3 Oklahoma Derby.

The horse spent most of his 4-year-old campaign in the allowance ranks, starting off his campaign with a win at Oaklawn Park, then he was moved to the U.A.E. barn of trainer Bhupat Seemar in 2024. King Ottoman raced two seasons in the U.A.E., all in stakes company, with his most notable effort being a second in the Jebel Ali Stakes in 2024.

King Ottoman is the first winner from three foals to race out of the Grade 1-placed Tapit mare Shook Up, who finished second in the 2015 Kentucky Oaks. His second dam is the Grade 1 winner Sugar Shake.

King Ottoman is the second stallion announced to be starting his career in Saudi Arabia during the upcoming season through FMQ Stables’ Elite Stallion Lending Program, following two-time winner Maymun, who was revealed last week.

This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Sep 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.