Graded stakes-winning sprinter Noonmark has been retired and will stand at Becky Thomas and Dennis Narlinger’s Sequel Stallions at Keane Stud near Amenia, N.Y.
Noonmark will be first stallion for a new Sequel partnership consisting of Thomas and Narlinger, along with prominent breeders Chester Broman, Tony Grey, and Lewis Lakin.
Noonmark will be co-managed by Thomas and Chris Bernhard of Hidden Lake Farm. The deal was brokered by Pedigree Consultants.
A $1.15-million Keeneland April 2-year-old purchase, Noonmark raced for the partnership of George Bolton, Joan Corrigan, and Antony Beck of Gainesway Farm and was trained by Steve Assmussen.
Noonmark scored his big win in the 2008 Mr. Prospector Handicap (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park, where he earned a 106 Beyer Speed Figure. He also placed in six other stakes, four of which were graded. Overall, Noonmark retired from racing with a record of 4-5-3 from 19 starts and earnings of $354,090.
“He was really a nice horse to train,” said Asmussen. “He had a lot of speed and a good mind and is a beautiful horse to look at. He should be a great addition to the New York stallion ranks.”
By Unbridled's Song, Noonmark is out of the unraced Storm Cat mare In the Storm, who is a half-sister grade I-winning millionaire and successful sire Formal Gold (by Black Tie Affair).
“We are delighted to be launching our new Sequel Stallion partnership with Noonmark,” said Thomas. “The partners are going to commit to supporting Noonmark with quality mares, and for me he is a horse who has all the credentials. He broke his maiden at 2 in New York in brilliant style, and trained on to become a high-class sprinter, defeating many of the fastest horses of his time.
“He has a stallion’s pedigree, something that is underlined by the fact he’s similarly-bred to successful young sire Even the Score. He also made a great impression on me when I saw him, combining many of the best physical aspects of both Unbridled's Song and Storm Cat.”