Trippi to stand in Florida

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Grade 1 winner Trippi has been purchased by a group of Florida-based investors headed by Joe O'Farrell's Ocala Stud and will enter stud there rather than at Kentucky's Vinery at 2002.

According to Dogwood principal Cot Campbell, Vinery had an option to purchase a 25 percent interest in the 4-year-old End Sweep colt when he retired in August.

"On reviewing the situation last week," Campbell said, "we mutually agreed that the horse was better suited for Florida. I then contacted Ocala Stud."

Vinery representatives were not available for comment.

Trippi, who was hampered by recurrent hoof problems, retired from racing last month, when Dogwood announced he would be syndicated and would stand at Vinery. Trippi, a son of Jealous Appeal (Valid Appeal) and a half-brother to graded stakes-winner Appealing Skier, won the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes and several other graded stakes for a career record of 14-7-1-2. He earned $666,220.

Trippi will ship immediately from Lexington to Ocala, where he would be available for inspection. Ocala Stud will announce a stud fee at a later date.

Campbell said the Dogwood partnership that campaigned Trippi would retain "a minor interest" in the stallion.