(Edited press release)
Multiple grade I winner and millionaire Tale of Ekati will stand the 2010 breeding season at Darby Dan Farm near Lexington for his owner and breeder Charles Fipke, it was announced Sept. 15.
Tale of Ekati (Tale of the Cat —Silence Beauty, by Sunday Silence) scored his biggest victory in the 2008 Wood Memorial (gr. I) for trainer Barclay Tagg when he wore down juvenile champion War Pass for the win. After his Wood victory, Tale of Ekati closed in the stretch to finish fourth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). His 3-year-old campaign also included wins in the Hill ‘n’ Dale Cigar Mile (gr. I) and Jerome Handicap (gr. II).
At 2, Tale of Ekati showed brilliance from his first start at Belmont where he crushed his rivals by more than eight lengths. He went on to capture the Futurity (gr. II) at Belmont later that year and finished his season with a solid fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I).
His stud fee will be $15,000 due when the foal stands and nurses.
“Based on the global downturn, we have set a stud fee for Tale of Ekati that allows breeders access to a top class stallion prospect at a fair price. We feel this will ensure that he receives the best book of mares possible in his first years at stud,” said farm owner John Phillips.
“In addition, Mr. Fipke will be offering a number of complimentary seasons to Tale of Ekati. Details of the program will be announced in the near future.”
Tale of Ekati retired with career earnings of $1,182,992 and five victories. He will be available for inspection starting Sept. 22 at the Darby Dan stallion open house.
“Tale of Ekati was foaled and raised at Darby Dan, and it is exciting to stand him for Mr. Fipke,” Phillips continued. “He has a beautiful female family and was a solid racehorse. Mr. Fipke has committed to support Tale of Ekati with some of his exceptional broodmares and we will breed home team mares to him as well.”