Calumet Farm to stand Kentucky Derby runner-up Ice Box

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Ice Box, the 2010 Florida Derby winner and Kentucky Derby runner-up, will enter stud this year at Calumet Farm in the second stud deal that historic nursery secured in a week. Ice Box’s owner, Robert LaPenta, confirmed the deal Thursday afternoon.

Earlier this week, the farm announced that Cactus Ridge would become its first stallion in at least seven years.

Ice Box will stand for $7,500, and Cactus Ridge will stand for $5,000.

Ice Box defeated Pleasant Prince by a nose in the Florida Derby before his late charge fell short in Super Saver’s Kentucky Derby. Ice Box won 3 of 16 starts, finishing second once and third once, and earned $948,068. A 5-year-old Pulpit horse, he is out of the Grade 2-winning Tabasco Cat mare Spice Island and is her first stakes winner.

“He’s a wonderful horse, and with a little bit of luck, he could have been a great horse,” LaPenta said. “He’s certainly well bred. I’m going to keep a piece of him, and hopefully he’ll be a great sire.”

LaPenta said he will remain involved as a minority shareholder in the syndicated stallion.