Wed, 03/12/2025 - 12:36

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rapture

Ryan Thompson/Coglianese Photos
Rapture, a candidate for the Virginia Derby, is by the late classic sire Uncle Mo.

Rapture

Colt by Uncle Mo – Positively Royal, by Bernardini

Bred in Kentucky by Bill Mathis and Terry Mathis, MST LLC, and Rochelle Bloodstock ($300,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by China Horse Club, Maverick Racing, and Siena Farm).

Mon, 03/10/2025 - 13:06

Getaway Car has ties to Virginia's last Kentucky Derby winner

Coady Media
Virginia Derby favorite Getaway Car and Virginia-bred Kentucky Derby champ Sea Hero share a family tree.

Despite Virginia’s long equestrian history, parimutuel racing in the state has a relatively short footprint. That hasn’t stopped many prominent breeders from putting down roots in Virginia and supporting the growth of its Thoroughbred industry.

Thu, 03/06/2025 - 11:39

Locked to stand at Gainesway upon eventual retirement

Benoit Photo
After physical issues forced Locked to miss the classics at age 3, he has won three of four starts in his comeback.

Locked, who recently won the Santa Anita Handicap to place himself among leaders of the older horse division, will stand at Gainesway Farm upon his eventual retirement, the farm has announced.

Locked, a 4-year-old son of Gun Runner, is co-campaigned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm. Gary Broad purchased Walmac Farm in 2018 and has reestablished its stallion operation, standing four horses for 2025.

Gainesway, with a roster led by Tapit, added four stallions for 2025.

Wed, 03/05/2025 - 11:21

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Journalism

Benoit Photo
San Felipe winner Journalism is a son of stamina-influence Curlin.

Journalism

Colt by Curlin – Mopotism, by Uncle Mo

Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corp. ($825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners)

 

Journalism’s impressive win in the Grade 2 San Felipe moves him into the favorite’s role on the latest Derby Watch list. The colt is by a sire who has been exceptionally successful in the American classics and who balances out a female family that is lighter on top-level accomplishments.

Wed, 03/05/2025 - 10:59

Dubai World Cup winner Roses in May dies in Japan at age 25

Roses in May and Dale Romans Aug 24 2004
Barbara D. Livingston
Roses in May and trainer Dale Romans strike a pose in 2004, the year Roses in May won five of six starts, including the Grade 1 Whitney at Saratoga.

Roses in May, whose biggest win came in the 2005 Dubai World Cup, has died, Big Red Farm of Japan said on its social media channels. The son of Devil His Due was 25.

Roses in May won four graded stakes for Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Dale Romans. His three-length score in the World Cup had been preceded, the summer before, by an additional Grade 1 triumph in the Whitney Handicap at Saratoga.

Wed, 03/05/2025 - 09:06

Darby Dan extends stud fee guarantee to 60 days

Darby Dan Farm has unveiled an innovative “Breeder Reassurance Plan” to provide additional financial security for breeders of foals by its stallions.

Tue, 03/04/2025 - 11:52

Rich Strike to stand in N.Y. at Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions

Rich Strike Kentucky Derby May 7 2023
Barbara Livingston
Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike has an advertised stud fee of $6,500 for 2025.

Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, recently purchased by a group that includes former trainer Eric Reed, will stand at Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions in Stillwater, N.Y.

Mon, 03/03/2025 - 13:02

Top stallions poised for another big year

Barbara D. Livingston
Gun Runner is poised for a stellar year with his 2-year-olds.

Forecasting which stallions are poised to have a solid season with their 2-year-olds isn’t just an exercise in predicting market results for the upcoming breeze-up season, it could be valuable knowledge for handicappers evaluating untested juveniles.

The following stallions appear positioned to succeed with their juveniles in the marketplace and on the track this year, based on the trajectory of their careers, their mares bred, commercial factors, and other clues.

Gun Runner

Fri, 02/28/2025 - 21:36

Rich Strike moving to New York for partnership including former trainer Reed

Barbara D. Livingston
Plans call for Rich Strike to move to New York to stand as a stallion.

Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike has been purchased by a group that includes his former trainer Eric Reed, and the group plans to stand him at stud in New York at a yet-to-be-determined location.

Thu, 02/27/2025 - 11:19

Grade 1 winner and producer Panty Raid dead at 21

Grade 1 winner and stakes producer Panty Raid has been euthanized due to the infirmities of old age, owner Godolphin reported on its social media Wednesday evening. The Include mare was 21.