Harness: Walner's book full and closed for 2021

Syndicate manager David Reid has announced that the 2021 book of World Champion and leading first-crop yearling sire Walner is full and closed.

"Walner has a powerful syndicate behind him that is comprised of a strong group of breeders from the U.S., Canada and Scandinavia," Reid said, "and they continue to support him in a big way."

Walner's first crop of yearlings sold last year, with 71 head averaging $82,197. He ranked second among all trotting sires, behind only Muscle Hill. Twenty of his yearlings sold for $100,000 or more and they included the top-priced yearling of 2020, Kadena (dam, Mission Brief), who brought $725,000 in Lexington.

He sired the fifth-highest priced colt that sold last fall, Kapulet (dam, Tosca), who brought $235,000 at the Standardbred sale at Timonium. Only four colts, all by Muscle Hill, sold for more last year.

"I've spoken with over a dozen trainers who are training colts and fillies from his first crop, and they're all very pleased with their progress at this stage of the year," Reid said.

"Considering his own incredible speed and ability as a 2-year-old, if any sire has the right to make an immediate impact, it's Walner."

Walner 2,1:51.3; 3,1:50 2/5 ($567,652), by Chapter Seven and from O'Brien Award winner Random Destiny 3,1:54 1/5 ($658,314), was a World Champion, Breeders Crown Champion and Dan Patch Champion at 2. He retired to stud at Southwind Farms in New Jersey in 2018.

-edited release (Walner Syndicate)