Paragallo stands Unbridled's Song at Taylor Made, and the addition of Artax will serve to strengthen the farm's stallion division. “He was one of the fastest horses in many years, and withstood a rigorous campaign,” said Ben Taylor. Artax, who was produced from the Apalachee mare Raging Apalachee, set or equaled three track records while earning the 1999 Eclipse Award for top sprinter, including Mr. Prospector's track mark in winning the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Gulfstream Park.
Sprint champion Artax, who has been returned to training after covering 93 mares this year at Clermont Farm near Germantown, N.Y., will stand next year at the Taylor family's Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville, Ky. On behalf of itself and partners, Taylor Made purchased an interest in Artax from Ernie Paragallo, who will retain majority ownership in the first-year stallion, but not controlling interest. Taylor Made will manage Artax and has the final word on any arrangements Paragallo might make in regard to selling or moving the stallion. Artax's major goal this year is defending his title in the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I). The deal calls for the 5-year-old son of Marquetry to arrive at the farm no later than Dec. 1. Artax, who stood for $30,000 and covered 22 of Paragallo's mares, is with conditioner Lou Albertrani in New York. Paragallo, who raced millionaire Artax in the name of Paraneck Stable, did not take kindly to the support Artax received from New York breeders this year. “Everyone told him not to stand Artax in New York, but he wanted to give breeders up there a chance to breed to a good horse,” said Paragallo's advisor, Buzz Chace. “I received four breeding rights to the horse. Three of the mares came from out of state, and the other belonged to Joe McMahon (of New York).”