Empire names first two studs

American Chance and Wiseman's Ferry are the first two stallions named to stand at the new Empire Stud in Hudson, N.Y. Empire Stud announced Thursday that American Chance, already one of the state's top 10 sires, and new stallion Wiseman's Ferry would stand in 2004 for $7,500 and $5,000, respectively.

American Chance, sire of 2003 Grade 3 winner Eye of the Tiger and other graded stakes winners, currently ranks seventh among New York sires with more than $1.9 million in progeny earnings. His leading earner, with $561,703, is Devine Wind, a Grade 3 winner who most recently won the 2003 Old Ironsides Handicap at Suffolk Downs. American Chance is a 14-year-old Cure the Blues horse out of the Seattle Slew mare American Dance.

Wiseman's Ferry, 4, retired earlier this year after a three-season racing career that was highlighted by two Grade 3 wins, the West Virginia and Lone Star derbies. He finished second in the Grade 2 Ohio Derby last year. Wiseman's Ferry, a colt by Hennessy, has earned $825,117 from races in Ireland and North America. Wiseman's Ferry is the first stakes winner out of the Silver Deputy mare Emmaus.

Empire Stud's general manager is Sean Curtin. Kentucky bloodstock consultant Jamie LaMonica will oversee the farm's stallion operation.