by Pete Denk and Melissa Sharpe

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Darley Stud has purchased Vodafone Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) winner Authorized as a stallion prospect, according to an announcement on Darley’s website.

Authorized has been leased back to owners Saleh al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, and the three-year-old Montjeu (Ire) colt will continue to be trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam and managed by Tony Nerses.

Authorized is expected to make his next start  in the Coral Eclipse Stakes (Eng-G1) at Sandown Park on July 7.

Sheikh Mohammed gave permission to his contract rider Frankie Dettori to ride Authorized at Epsom, as the Sheikh did not have a runner in the June 2 race. Authorized won the race by five lengths, giving Dettori his first victory in the English classic.

Days later, Sheikh Mohammed made his third major stallion acquisition of the week. Darley USA secured deals for the breeding rights to Kentucky Derby (G1) Present by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Street Sense and Derby runner-up Hard Spun in deals announced on June 3.

Authorized won the 2007 Dante Stakes (G2) and the '06 Racing Post Trophy (G1). He has won three of four starts and earned $1,755,053.

Out of Funsie, by Saumarez (GB), Authorized was bred in Ireland by Marengo Investments, Knighton House Ltd., and M. Kinane.

Authorized’s sire, Montjeu, stands at Coolmore Stud in Ireland. Sheikh Mohammed has been boycotting yearlings and two-year-olds by Coolmore stallions at public auction over the last two years.

Darley representatives could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

Pete Denk is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer

Melissa Sharpe is a Thoroughbred Times editorial intern