Brother Derek, who captured the 2005 Hollywood Futurity (gr. I) and 2006 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), has been retired to Brereton C. Jones’ Airdrie Stud near Midway, Ky.
Owned by Cecil Peacock, Brother Derek was the morning line favorite for the 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) but finished fourth. In addition to his two grade I victories, the son of Benchmark’s other wins include the 2005 Norfolk Stakes (gr. II) and the 2006 Santa Catalina and San Rafael Stakes (both gr. II).
“Our single most important criteria for selecting our stallions is brilliance, and Brother Derek had brilliance in spades,” said Airdrie’s Bret Jones. “He’s also an outstanding individual that the commercial breeder can really get excited about. We are extremely appreciative of Mr. Peacock for letting us stand the horse that has brought him so many wonderful moments.”
Dan Hendricks trained Brother Derek, who he purchased on Peacock’s behalf at the 2005 Barretts March select 2-year-olds in training sale for $275,000. The bay colt had originally been sold to John Brocklebank, agent, at the 2004 Keeneland September yearling sale for $150,000.
Mary Caldwell bred Brother Derek in California. He is out of the Siyah Kalem mare Miss Soft Sell, who has also produced Don'tsellmeshort, a stakes-winning full brother to Brother Derek.
Brother Derek’s last race came April 20, when he finished second to Mast Track in an allowance race at Santa Anita. Mast Track went on to win the June 28 Hollywood Gold Cup Stakes (gr. I).
Brother Derek retires with a record of 6-2-3 from 17 career starts and earnings of $1,611,138. His fee will be announced at a later date.
