Saarland, retired to stud.
Saarland, a homebred grade II winner for Cynthia Phipps, has been retired from racing for stallion duty at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm near Lexington. California bloodstock agent Emmanuel de Seroux purchased an 80% interest from Phipps on behalf of Jess Stonestreet Jackson, who owns Kendall-Jackson wineries in California. Phipps will retain the remaining interest.Saarland proved popular because of his come-from-behind running style. His victory in the Remsen Stakes (gr. II) at 1 1/8 miles in the fall of his 2-year-old season in 2001 marked him as a horse to follow on the way to the following year's Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Unfortunately, Saarland suffered a bone chip on an ankle during the Churchill classic and finished unplaced.From 21 career starts, Saarland won five races and placed in five stakes, all graded, and earned $595,250 for trainer Claude R. "Shug" McGaughey. He gave a good account of himself at a mile in last year's Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I), finishing a neck behind subsequent champion Aldebaran in a runner-up effort.Saarland is out of multiple grade I winner Versailles Treaty (by Danzig). His fee will be announced later.
