Leading Japanese stallion Deep Impact will cease covering for the season due to neck issues.

Rich Hill Stud’s Satono Aladdin, a son of Deep Impact

The sire of 39 individual Group One winners stands at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan and the farm said his injury is not life threatening.

Deep Impact was crowned Horse of the Year in Japan in 2005 and 2006 and recorded two Group One victories on the track, including the Japan Cup (2400m) and Takarazuka Kinen (2200m).

Deep Impact is the sire of Rich Hill Stud stallion Satono Aladdin, who served 91 mares in his debut season at stud in New Zealand.

He is also the sire of Novara Park Stud’s new stallion Staphanos, who will be available to breeders in the upcoming season for a fee of $7,000+GST.