Multiple grade II stakes winner and multiple track record-holder Lewis Michael has been retired and is available for inspection at Three Chimneys Farm, according to an Oct. 29 release.
Owned and bred by Frank C. Calabrese, Lewis Michael won the 2008 running of the Pat O’Brien Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar by 2 3/4 lengths and set a new track record in the process, defeating 2007 and 2008 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Midnight Lute, among others.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to stand this outstanding son of Rahy, who has become a major influence on the breed,” said Three Chimneys President Case Clay. “Lewis Michael ensures that the Rahy influence will continue for years to come.”
Lewis Michael, who is a full brother to Champion Dreaming of Anna and is out of a stakes-winning half to Champion Kitten’s Joy, has been a stakes performer every year of his career and has won black type events from seven furlongs to 1 3/16 mile. Besides his recent track record in the Pat O’Brien, he also set a new track record in the Washington Park Handicap (gr. II) at Arlington Park in 2007.
“Lewis Michael is the full package that the middle market needs,” said Clay. “Standing at over 16 hands, he is a big, solid horse that is exceptionally good-looking. He has beaten some of the best milers in the country and retired sound after competing at the highest level from age two through the end of his five-year-old campaign.”
A stud fee for Lewis Michael will be announced in early November, along with the fees for the rest of the Three Chimneys stallion roster.
“We welcome breeders’ to come out and see Lewis Michael,” added Case Clay. “His physique and conformation are definitely impressive and, taking into consideration the state of the economy and the situation breeders are facing, we plan to price him very competitively.”
Three Chimneys Farm, located in Midway, Kentucky, stands Dynaformer, Exchange Rate, Flower Alley, Good Reward, Point Given, Rahy, Sky Mesa , Smarty Jones , War Chant and Yes It's True. Joining Lewis Michael in his debut season at stud at Three Chimneys in 2009 will be Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I) winner Big Brown .
