Mula Gula Moves to Kentucky

Grade II winner Mula Gula will stand the 2003 season at his breeders' Old Frankfort Stud near Lexington. Mula Gula raced for Steve Gula, then stood the 2001 and 2002 seasons at Ron and Nina Hagen's El Dorado Farms near Enumclaw, Wash., for $2,000.

Jim Plemmons bred Mula Gula from his Ascot Knight mare Night Tan. He is the best son to date of Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Lil E. Tee, who stands at Old Frankfort.

"He's going to be able to do things for this horse we were unable to do in the state of Washington," said Gula, who lives outside Seattle on Mercer Island. "It's really to the benefit of Mula Gula."

As a 3-year-old, Mula Gula won the Oak Tree Derby (gr. II), Bay Meadows Breeders' Cup Derby (gr. IIIT), and the Oceanside Stakes. At four he finished third in the Arlington Million (gr. I). He earned $684,070 and had a 5-5-3 record in 19 lifetime starts.

Plemmons said Mula Gula is expected to arrive in Kentucky in mid-June. Gula currently owns the horse outright, but Plemmons said he expects to syndicate the stallion and to set a fee after he arrives.