Gun Runner: Taking His Talent Down Under
Like a rock star embarking on a world tour, Gun Runner, the leading second-crop sire in North America, is expanding his reach to the Southern Hemisphere. As the curtain falls on his outstanding racing career, Gun Runner is ready to make waves as a sire for Southern Hemisphere mares during the upcoming breeding season.
A Limited Offering for Southern Hemisphere Breeders
Gun Runner has been a beacon of success for his progeny’s connections, just as jockey Florent Geroux donned a victorious smile after their final race together, the 2018 Pegasus World Cup. As a top first- and second-crop sire in terms of earnings in North America, Gun Runner’s reputation precedes him. Although now 9 years old, this remarkable horse will cover only a select number of mares during the Southern Hemisphere breeding season, leaving breeders eager to secure his services.
Pricing and Demand
According to Thoroughbred Daily News, Gun Runner’s stud fee for Southern Hemisphere breedings is set at $75,000 US/AUS $109,700, significantly lower than the $125,000 fee charged during the previous North American breeding season. While the fee is now listed as private, demand for Gun Runner’s breeding services among Australian breeders is already evident. Doug Cauthen, the vice chairman of Three Chimneys, the farm where Gun Runner currently stands, explained the decision to open up this opportunity, stating that there have been numerous inquiries and bookings for matings. The intention is to introduce Gun Runner into the Southern Hemisphere market on a limited basis, as his potential for success as a Southern Hemisphere sire is undeniable.
The Blossoming Legacy of Gun Runner
Based on Gun Runner’s track record in North America, his foray into the Southern Hemisphere is highly anticipated. Despite having only two crops of racing age, Gun Runner has already established himself as an elite stallion in high demand. In 2021, he set a North American record for freshman sire earnings, surpassing $4 million. His progeny secured impressive victories, accumulating 30 wins throughout the year, the most among all first-crop stallions. Echo Zulu, one of Gun Runner’s offspring, even claimed the Eclipse Award for Top 2-Year-Old Filly after winning three Grade 1 races, including the Spinaway, Frizette, and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
In the current year, Gun Runner’s offspring continue to shine, winning stakes races at a remarkable rate of over 12%. These victories include prestigious races such as the Preakness Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, and Arkansas Derby. The success of Gun Runner’s progeny is a testament to his exceptional qualities as a sire.
A Pedigree of Excellence
Gun Runner traces his lineage back to the renowned Argentinian stallion Candy Ride and is out of the esteemed Giant’s Causeway mare Quiet Giant, winner of the Grade 3 Molly Pitcher. As a racehorse himself, Gun Runner set the bar high for his offspring. With an impressive record of 12 wins in 19 races, along with five additional top-three finishes, Gun Runner accumulated an astounding $15,988,500 in career earnings.
Racing Triumphs and Consistency
Between June 2017 and his retirement in January 2018, Gun Runner established himself as a force to be reckoned with. He claimed victory in five Grade 1 races during this period, including the Stephen Foster, Whitney, Woodward, Breeders’ Cup Classic, and Pegasus World Cup Invitational. Maintaining an average Equibase Speed Figure of 128.8 in this remarkable stretch, Gun Runner showcased his versatility and determination. As a 4-year-old in 2017, he achieved an outstanding record of five wins out of six starts, with his only defeat being a narrow second in the prestigious Dubai World Cup.
A Rising Star in His Youth
Even in his 3-year-old season in 2016, Gun Runner displayed incredible promise and potential. He secured victories in two vital Kentucky Derby preps, winning the Risen Star and Louisiana Derby. Although he finished third in the Kentucky Derby itself, trailing behind Nyquist and Exaggerator, Gun Runner’s talent was undeniable.
Conclusion
Gun Runner’s decision to venture into the Southern Hemisphere breeding market has generated immense excitement among breeders eager to tap into his renowned bloodlines and proven success as a stallion. With an impressive record as a racehorse and a burgeoning legacy as a sire, Gun Runner continues to captivate the racing industry worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to breed a mare with Gun Runner in the Southern Hemisphere?
Gun Runner’s stud fee for Southern Hemisphere breedings is currently listed as private. Interested breeders can contact the farm for more information and pricing.
2. What is Gun Runner’s greatest racing achievement?
Gun Runner’s most notable racing accomplishment is winning the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic.
3. How many stakes races have Gun Runner’s offspring won this year?
Gun Runner’s progeny have secured victories in 12 stakes races so far this year, showcasing their talent and potential.
4. Where is Gun Runner currently standing for breeding?
Gun Runner is currently standing at Three Chimneys Farm, where breeders can avail themselves of the opportunity to breed their mares with this exceptional stallion.
5. How many crops of racing age does Gun Runner currently have?
Gun Runner has only two crops of racing age, yet he has already proven himself as a top sire in North America, making his foray into the Southern Hemisphere all the more exciting.
