Multiple graded stakes winner Crown of Thorns had the first mares checked in foal from his introductory book at stud.
Crown of Thorns retired to CloverLeaf Farms II in Reddick, Fla. for 2012.
Whirlwind Charlott, a daughter of Real Quiet that was graded stakes-placed as a juvenile, was pronounced in foal to Crown of Thorns March 7. Two additional mares, Phanie Slam and Ruling Class, were checked in foal March 8.
Crown of Thorns was an early Kentucky Derby favorite at 3 after a stakes-record performance in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II), running 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.76 at Santa Anita. The bay was a grade I performer at ages 4, 5, and 6 from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles.
He finished first or second in six graded stakes including a nose defeat when second in the 2009 Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I). In 2011, Crown of Thorns defeated grade I winner Sidney's Candy in the Mervyn LeRoy Handicap (gr. II) before retiring at the end of the season. He finished with three wins in 13 races and earnings of $821,693.
Crown of Thorns is by fellow CloverLeaf sire Repent, and is from the Thunder Gulch mare Crowning Touch, a half-sister to Eclipse champion and grade I sire Smoke Glacken. Crown of Thorns stands his first season at stud for a fee of $4,000 stands and nurses.
Breeders who commit a mare to Crown of Thorns and fellow new CloverLeaf stallion Rodman will pay a discounted fee of $2,500 and receive 2012 seasons to both stallions.