Candy Ride , who has stood his entire stallion career at John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm near Lexington, will be relocated to Will Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles shortly and will stand the 2010 breeding season there.
The Argentine-bred was a perfect 6-for-6 in his racing career, and won the 2003 Pacific Classic (gr. I) and that year’s American Handicap (gr. II) for owners Sid and Jenny Craig and trainer Ron McAnally. He earned $749,149. Candy Ride’s son Chocolate Candy ran fifth in this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) for Jenny Craig. Sid Craig died in 2008.
“I received word today that they are moving Candy Ride along with 40 mares and foals,” said Hill ‘n’ Dale’s owner, John Sikura. “It is shocking and disappointing to hear that kind of news by lawyer’s letter.
“This farm has done a fantastic job launching sires like Candy Ride, Medaglia d'Oro , Stormy Atlantic , and Roman Ruler. We’ve worked extremely hard getting Candy Ride going, and have done nothing wrong with him for five years. While I respect the shareholders’ right to do this, I don’t believe it’s fair.”
Along with Chocolate Candy, stakes winner Evita Argentina was foaled and raised at Hill ‘n’ Dale. Sikura will retain a 10% interest in the stallion.