Najran to Stand at Hopewell Farm

Najran, who earlier this year equaled an American record for a mile on dirt, will stand in 2004 at Rick Trontz' Hopewell Farm near Midway, Ky. He will stand for $7,500.

The 4-year-old son of Runaway Groom, who raced for Mahmoud Fustok's Buckram Oak Farm, was being pointed to the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) after his win in the Oct. 3 Phoenix Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. III). However he was retired before the race because of knee chips. He retired with a record of sevens wins from 15 starts and earnings of $483,448. He was trained by Nick Zito.

Earlier this year, Najran equaled an American record for a mile in 1:32.24 in the Westchester Handicap (gr. III) at Belmont Park and ran second in the Forego Handicap (gr. I) and third in the Hal's Hope Handicap (gr. III). Bred by France and Irv Weiner, Najran is the sole offspring from the Capote mare Line Command.

Buckram Oak, located near Lexington, does not stand stallions.