Walmac gets Thunderello

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Thunderello, runner-up in the 2002 Breeders' Cup Sprint, will enter stud in 2003 at Walmac International in Lexington, Ky., after owner Charles Mady's legal and financial difficulties forced the stallion back on the market.

A 4-year-old son of Montbrook, Thunderello had been slated to join the 2003 roster at Buck Pond Farm in Versailles, Ky. But after a complaint was filed that more than $1 million of investor funds was misappropriated and that false statements were made to hide trading losses, Mady's property ended up in the receivership of a Michigan law firm. The firm canceled the Buck Pond agreement and the sale of Thunderello.

Bidding took place by phone over several days, and on Thursday Walmac announced that Thunderello would stand there. His 2003 fee will be $7,500.

Thunderello retired with a career record of 7-3-3-0 and $388,400 in earnings.