12/29/2012 4:03PM

Stud Muffin retired, headed to Akindale Farm

By David Grening
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Stud Muffin, a popular stakes-winning New York-bred gelding, was retired from racing after being purchased privately by a group that included prominent Thoroughbred owner Maggi Moss.

The 8-year-old gelding was shipped on Saturday morning from Belmont Park to Akindale Farm in Pawling, N.Y., where Stud Muffin will take up residence alongside the likes of multiple stakes winner Evening Attire, his brother Tacticianor, Callmetony, and the stakes winner Hotstufanthensome.

Stud Muffin, a son of Raffie’s Majesty, won 14 races from 59 starts, his biggest win coming in the $250,000 Empire Classic at Belmont Park in 2008 when trained by David Duggan. He also won the Noble Nashua Stakes in 2008 and had 18 seconds or thirds. Stud Muffin earned $671,865.

Bred by Majesty Stud and trained initially by Dominic Galluscio, Stud Muffin became a popular commodity at the claim box, having been taken nine times for $163,000. Owner Bruce Golden and trainer David Jacobson took him three times in a nine-month period in 2011.

Stud Muffin, who won 7 of 15 races in 2011, was claimed by Peter Chin for $14,000 in March 2012. Chin, who said the horse had some issues, never raced the gelding and sold him privately to Naipaul Chatterpaul and his brother. Stud Muffin never was able to regain his form and was well beaten in his last five races.

In addition to Moss, others who contributed to the purchase of Stud Muffin were Emily Shields of Simhorsereacing.com and a few behind-the-scenes personnel at TVG.

Mary Adkins-Matthews 12 months ago
This is yet another issue with the racing industry that has not been addressed. Horses like Stud Muffin with "back class" are those who we often see ran to no end even when they have given their all. The racing industry needs to have more rules and policies in place to protect the athletes in this sport. The public and fans of the horses demand it and will continue to monitor these horses for that reason alone. Sadly, owners like Maggi Moss should not have to step up time and time again as we see her do in order to save the day and the horse because there is a lack of protection. It is not the first and I am sure not the last time we will see horse advocates step up as they have just now for Stud Muffin. When my husband saw David Grening post a message one night on Twitter about Stud Muffin, I immediately contacted Moss knowing she will do what it takes to assure safety for horses like him. As I stated earlier this year that there are many things I am thankful for but Maggi Moss is definitely the one thing that stands out to me. Her love and dedication for thoroughbreds in need is an inspiration but more importantly, her love and dedication SHOULD BE AN EXAMPLE TO ALL in this industry.
dispute98 12 months ago
After my experience with rescue, owners can make the price inflated. I hope it was a fair purchase. Chin said he had issues, Chatterpaul should have been thrilled to see this guy go into retirement where he belonged. Bless this group's heart for giving Stud Muffin his new lease on life. Maggi is known for her good heart. Was Majesty Stud involved? Never read their name. I think they were the breeders.
Tommy Decker 12 months ago
Congrats to all the owners for doing the right thing .