Master Command, a record-setting, multiple graded stakes-winning son of A.P. Indy, has been retired to Taylor Made Stallions, in Nicholasville, Ky.
Purchased for $650,000 by Aaron and Marie Jones at the 2003 Saratoga Select Yearling sale, the flashy chestnut went on to win five graded stakes and earn $1,137,188.
Master Command, who is out of Lady Lochinvar (by Lord at War), won his first stakes at 4 in the William Donald Schaefer Handicap (gr. III), in which he beat dual-Classic winner Funny Cide. Later that year, Master Command earned a 114 Beyer Speed Figure while defeating Queen's Plate winner Wild Desert in the Meadowlands Cup (gr. II). He covered the first mile of that contest in 1:34 1/5. In 2007, Master Command was a key contender in the older/handicap male division. He set a stakes record in the Mineshaft Stakes (gr. III), which he won by six lengths, at the Fair Grounds. Master Command next won the New Orleans Handicap (gr. II) by 3 1/2 lengths and then the National Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II) at Hawthorne by 3 3/4 lengths.
"We're extremely excited to have Master Command standing here at Taylor Made. I don't know what more you could ask for in a stallion prospect," said Vice President of Taylor Made Stallions, Ben Taylor, in a prepared statement. "He was a heck of a racehorse, he's awesome looking, has a great pedigree, and being by A.P. Indy, he could be any kind of sire."
Master Command's stud fee will be announced at a later date.