Darley America announced Nov. 2 that Reddam Racing's Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner Nyquist will stand at Darley's Jonabell Farm near Lexington when his racing career is complete. Nyquist is the heavy favorite to be crowned champion 2-year-old male of 2015.
The undefeated Nyquist, winner of five races in his career including three grade I events, is a son of Uncle Mo —Seeking Gabrielle, by Forestry. He was named by J. Paul Reddam, a huge fan of the Detroit Red Wings, after star forward Gustav Nyquist.
Reddam and his team, which includes trainer Doug O'Neill, will control the racing career of Nyquist.
"It might be a conversation we have at this time next year to see where we are at the end of his 3-year-old season," Darley chief operating officer Dan Pride said. "If it's the right time to retire him, fine, and if it looks like he should stay in training, then he'll stay in training."
Nyquist, bred in Kentucky by Summerhill Farm, was purchased for Reddam at the Fasig-Tipton Florida March select sale of 2-year-olds in training for $400,000 by bloodstock agent Dennis O'Neill. He began his career with a maiden score in June at Santa Anita Park, then won the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II) at Del Mar in his second start.
Nyquist then won the grade I Del Mar Futurity, grade I Frontrunner Stakes around two turns, and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Nyquist has earned $1,613,600 to date.
"I was a big fan of Ned Evans and his Spring Hill Farm, and Nyquist comes from one of those families," Pride said. "Plus I'm a fan of (grandsire) Indian Charlie. You never know with the first crop of 2-year-olds which way they're going to go, but Uncle Mo seems like he gets another stakes winner every day, so that is appealing.
"I've admired Team Reddam for a number of years, particularly the work Dennis O'Neill does at 2-year-old sales. After the Frontrunner, when he stretched out to two turns, we reached out to them and then went out and inspected the horse. He's a beautiful horse with a special way of going, which is what Dennis looks for—efficient movers."
No terms were announced as to the purchase price because of a confidentiality agreement. The deal was finalized before the Breeders' Cup.
"I'm impressed by Darley and its stallion program," Reddam said in a press release. "They do an incredible job of overseeing the long careers of their sires and I'm grateful that Nyquist's next job will be managed by them. Doug O'Neill and his team have done a tremendous job getting Nyquist to this point, and we are eagerly looking forward to his 3-year-old season next year."