(Edited press release)
Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin will enter stud in 2009 at Mr. and Mrs. William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Ky., it was announced Nov. 21. The son of Smart Strike will stand for $75,000.
North America’s richest racehorse with earnings of $10,501,800, Curlin won 11 of 16 starts with two seconds and two thirds. At age 3, he captured three grade I races, including the Preakness Stakes, Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Jockey Club Gold Cup on his way to a pair of championship honors.
Earlier this year, Curlin traveled to the United Arab Emirates to win two races, including the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I). His return campaign included victories in three additional grade I races, the Stephen Foster Handicap, Woodward Stakes, another victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Bred by Fares Farm, Curlin is out of the Deputy Minister mare Sheriff’s Deputy. Trained by Steve Asmussen, Curlin recently carried the colors of majority owner Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables, in partnership with minority owner Midnight Cry Stable.
“The Jacksons are due great credit for allowing our sport to enjoy this great champion as a four-year-old,” Farish said in a statement. “Many would have retired him after winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Horse of the Year honors as a three-year-old. Curlin’s performance on the track, his pedigree, and his conformation make him the most exciting sire prospect to retire in many years. We are honored to have him join his champion sire Smart Strike at Lane’s End.”
Asmussen, who took over Curlin’s training after he broke his maiden in February of 2007, also released a statement that apparently confirmed the end of the chestnut colt’s racing career. There was some speculation that Curlin would race one last time before the end of the season.
“Curlin made his mark in the history books in so many ways: as a classic winner, as a colt who traveled to Dubai and captured the World Cup, and who returned to take three more grade I races and tally record earnings,” Asmussen said. “His physical and mental attitude is unparalleled and he retires perfectly sound.”
Jackson commented: “After a stellar racing career, Curlin is now in a position to carry on his iron horse bloodlines at Lane’s End, the premier stallion farm in the nation. He is one of the best examples of the breed - fast, strong, and durable. I predict he will make a substantial contribution to our sport through his gene pool and I am looking forward to seeing his foals compete and possibly exceed his unequaled race record.”