Graded stakes winner The Player pensioned from stud duty

Popular multiple graded stakes winner The Player has been pensioned from stud duty, gelded, and has joined the Kentucky Horse Park’s Breeds Barn as its Thoroughbred representative. The Breeds Barn showcases and educates visitors about more than a dozen different breeds of horses and ponies, both domestic and international in origin, including in special presentations during the tourist season.

The Player, now 13, was trained by William “Buff” Bradley, who bred the horse along with his late father, Fred Bradley, and frequent partner Carl Hurst. The Player’s career was highlighted by wins in the Grade 2 Fayette at Keeneland in 2017 and the Grade 3 Mineshaft in early 2018. However, he suffered a career-ending injury in the Grade 2 New Orleans Handicap that winter, and underwent surgery, followed by a several months’ stay at the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine equine hospital.

He was later able to return to Kentucky, and move on to a stud career at Crestwood Farm. The Player has 26 foals of racing age, including his current 2-year-olds born in 2024. He was bred in both 2024 and 2025 before being pensioned, which could result in a few more representatives. He has recorded eight winners from 13 starters to date, with his most successful runner being stakes-placed Young Angus, named for his sire’s barn nickname.

Buff Bradley said that The Player was gelded a few months ago with an eye toward his future, as this move will allow him to be turned out with other horses.

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