Thunder Gulch's Stud Fee Hiked

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Officials at Ashford Stud haven't made it easier for breeders hoping to get to farm stallion Thunder Gulch. Ashford initially announced a fee of $25,000 for the dual classic-winning grandson of Mr. Prospector, then later upped it to $30,000, then to $40,000. Now it's $50,000.

The boost was announced following the victory of Thunder Gulch's daughter, Spain, in the Dec. 30 La Brea Stakes (gr. I) and several weeks after the stallion's son, Point Given, won the Hollywood Futurity (gr. I) as the 3-10 favorite.

"The demand has been great," said farm official Stuart Fitzgibbon. "Point Given looks very much like a Derby horse, and Spain just keeps going."

Spain earlier won the Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I), and Point Given missed winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) by a nose.

Nine-year-old Thunder Gulch (Gulch -- Lines of Thunder, by Storm Bird) ranks atop the 2000 second-crop sire list, with progeny earnings of $4,235,457. He ranks second on the sires of 2-year- old list, with $1,350,892.

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