Pacino Clone

Pacino II: Clone of Pacino Show Jumping Stallion

Described as a ‘carbon copy of the original’, the unveiling of Pacino II in 2023, the clone of Irish show jumping stallion Pacino, captured the attention of the equestrian world. Announced by Show Jumper, Clem McMahon, on a week that marked 10 years since the passing of Pacino original, it was a melding of the art of high-performance breeding with cutting-edge science. And the owner of Pacino II describes the similarities between clone and original as ‘uncanny’.

Remembering the Original Pacino

Before exploring the promise of Pacino II, it’s important to honour the legacy of the original Pacino. An icon on the international show jumping circuit, 8-year-old Pacino produced clear rounds at prestigious events such as the Dublin Horse Show, Hickstead and various Nations Cup competitions. Under the skilled guidance of his long time rider, Clem McMahon, he showcased not only superior athletic ability but also an unmistakable competitive spirit that set him apart. Tragically, Pacino’s vibrant career was cut short due to kidney problems, identified in January 2013 when he was just nine years old. Yet, even in his untimely passing, his legacy continues to inspire riders, breeders, and enthusiasts around the globe with multiple offspring carrying his legacy. Among this notable progeny is, Allen’s Pacino Amiro, a five star Grand Prix winner who represented Ireland at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Replicating a Champion: The Science Behind the Clone

Clem decided to take skin samples from Pacino. “I had heard of horses being cloned previously,” he said. “I just really believed in Pacino; the quality he had, the level of scope and carefulness, and the rideability – those three things rarely come together in one package.”

“I made a few inquiries. I knew I wasn’t able to [clone him at the time] but I thought it might give me the option later down the line, so I decided to take skin samples and put them in storage.”

Equine cloning is based on the process of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). This method involves extracting a somatic cell, which carries the complete genetic blueprint of the original champion and transferring its nucleus into an enucleated egg cell. The result is an embryo that is a genetic replica of the donor, inheriting the same proven traits that made Pacino a legend on the show ring. Learn more about the process of equine cloning on our YouTube channel.

A Closer Look at Pacino II

Born in 2020, observers have noted with amazement the uncanny similarities between Pacino II and the original champion, down to the minute mannerisms that once defined Pacino.

Rider Clem had noted to The Irish Field “Pacino was extremely kind, he was a big blood powerful scopey horse, with a wonderful attitude, and hadn’t a bad bone in his body. This guy is the same; he has the same natural balance and self-carriage; he is only three and he canters around as if he were a five-year-old”.

Looking at the original Pacino’s offspring and their achievements, it’s clear to see that Pacino genetics have so much to offer current breeders who otherwise would not have had access to these genetics. Pacino II is in ridden work after being backed in 2023 as well as attending stud duties as it was decided that not enough time was put into storing frozen semen stocks from the original Pacino. For this reason, more emphasis is being placed on breeding from this stallion rather than a ridden career, although a competition career has not been ruled out.

Horse Cloning 

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