The number of Thoroughbred stallions moving to Indiana for the 2018 breeding season is at its highest in three years with 93 stallions (to date). Stallion owners are enticed by the Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development Program’s lucrative incentive programs and the growth in quality stock in the state.
River Dancer joined the stallion roster at Breakway Farm near Dillsboro, Ind., towards the end of 2017. He is a graded-stakes placed son of Pioneerof the Nile and is owned by Michael Power’s Bend Or Thoroughbreds USA. The 2011 stallion is out of Clever Actress (Theatrical [IRE]) and is standing his first stallion season to a private treaty.
“Not only is this handsome horse impeccably bred, but he was a very talented racehorse who was highly weighted on the Experimental Free Handicap at 2,” says a farm representative.
Ready’s Image joins Midwest Equine & Veterinary Hospital’s stallion roster, and was called by trainer Todd Pletcher the best 2-year-old he had ever trained. Winner of the Grade 2 Sanford Stakes at 2, his produce record boasts a lifetime 77 percent winners from starters. The More Than Ready stallion is the sire of millionaire Rivers Run Deep and multiple graded stakes winner I’m Already Sexy.
“Ready’s Image is the ideal horse for Indiana,” says Indiana’s leading breeder Michael Lauer. “His offspring can run both short and long, on the dirt and turf.”
The 2005 stallion out of Clever Phrase (Clever Trick) stands in Trafalgar for $2,000.
Duke of Mischief enters 2018 at the Equine Veterinary Hospital of Northern Indiana, near Wakarusa. The multiple graded stakes winner of nearly $2 million is by Graeme Hall and out of My Lady Ameliea (Real Courage). Owner and breeder Marilyn McMaster moved the 11-year-old stallion from Florida to Indiana in December.
“Indiana has a strong sire stakes program,” says manager of McMaster Farm, Dan Boik. “We think we’ll have more success with Indiana-breds.”
Duke of Mischief will stand for $2,000.
Other new stallions starting the 2018 season in Indiana include: Twig N’ Berries (Pine Bluff – Careless Flint, by Seattle Slew) at Cullison Farms, Airoforce (Colonel John – Chocolate Pop, by Cuvee) at Swifty Farms, and Csaba (Kitten’s Joy – High Chant, by War Chat) at R Star Stallions.
The Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development Program is a growing regional and national breeding program. New stallions are invited to register and move to Indiana with no late fee, as long as they have covered any mares in 2018.
(from Indiana Horse Racing Commission news release)