(edited press release)
Drew Nardiello’s Chesapeake Farm, known for raising 2007 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Street Sense, has relocated to Wimbledon Farm, the facility that raised 2006 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Bernardini.
Formerly situated on Russell Cave Road in Lexington, Chesapeake now encompasses 400 acres in southern Fayette County on Walnut Hill Road. Immediate neighbors include Eclipse Award-winning breeders Overbrook Farm and Juddmonte Farm.
Wimbledon was established by Hilary Boone Jr. in 1971. The farm distinguished itself by raising 1979 Kentucky Derby winner Spectacular Bid and 1982 Epsom Derby (Eng-I) victor Golden Fleece. Breed-shaping sire Relaunch also stood at the 1,000-acre facility.
“We have been looking for a prime tract for quite some time, and I am delighted to be part of the great heritage of this area,” Nardiello said. “Great horses are made by a combination of heredity, quality of care, and environment. This immediate environment repeatedly produces champion-caliber horses.”
Chesapeake was founded in 1986 as a boarding and sales operation. In addition to champion Street Sense, they raised Grade I winners Vacare and Mayo On the Side. At auction, Chesapeake topped the 1992 Keeneland November Sale with the $2.7 million Maplejinsky, then sold one of the top priced mares of 2006 at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky when Vacare went for $2.8-million.