Wygod stallions move to Ballena Vista

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - The California-based stallions Benchmark, Dixie Chatter, and Tribal Rule, and possibly Bertrando, will stand at Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona, Calif., in 2011, following a recent private transaction between Ballena Vista farm owner Donald Cohn and Marty Wygod, who previously stood the stallions at River Edge Farm in Buellton, Calif.

Wygod announced the deal on Thursday. Wygod said that Bertrando, a former leading stallion in California, is also expected to stand at Ballena Vista in 2001, pending the formal approval of the Bertrando syndicate.

Wygod said that Cohn had purchased Benchmark, as well as a majority interest in Tribal Rule and Dixie Chatter.

Wygod announced last month that he is dispersing his California-based Thoroughbred holdings at Barretts this fall, and will sell River Edge Farm. At the time, he hoped that the four River Edge stallions would be relocated in the state, which the transfer to Ballena Vista accomplishes.

No financial terms of the deal were announced.