Graded stakes winner Five Star General (Distorted Humor–Party of Interest, by Bernardini) will begin his stud career next season at Covilar's Owl Hollow Farm in Floyd, Virginia. Covilar, founded by Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, acquired a 50% ownership share in the 8-year-old stallion through a strategic partnership with existing owner Kenny Alhadeff.
Since acquiring Owl Hollow Farm in 2021, Covilar has worked to transform the property into a modern, world-class breeding facility. Five Star General's pedigree, performance and versatility aligns with Bassaganya-Riera's long-term vision for the farm, according to a release from Covilar Monday.
“Five Star General is the ideal stallion to begin expanding Covilar and Owl Hollow Farm,” said Bassaganya-Riera. “Thanks to our partnership with Kenny Alhadeff, we're thrilled to offer breeders a top-class stallion right here in Virginia. Our unique breeding program has already produced two crops of foals from Snapy Halo (Arg), sired by top Southern Hemisphere producer Southern Halo. Our breeding programs are designed to maximize performance, speed and stamina of the offspring. We believe that the addition of 'Ike' as our leading stallion is a natural choice and excellent complement to our emerging Thoroughbred breeding program.”
Five Star General, nicknamed 'Ike,' is a seven-time stakes winner and captured the 2019 GIII British Columbia Derby. He hit the board in 28 of 39 starts–including 19 black-type events–with 13 wins and earnings of $902,202.
“We've been thrilled with the success of Five Star General, one of the most special horses our family has had the privilege of owning,” said Alhadeff. “We're looking forward to partnering with Covilar to launch 'Ike' as a sire and to bring this accomplished stallion prospect to breeders in the Mid-Atlantic region. The partnership is exceptionally beneficial to our family, to Covilar and Owl Hollow Farm's plans, and to breeders in the Virginia and mid-Atlantic region. I am elated to be partnering with Dr. Josep Bassaganya-Riera, and his determination to improve the breed is thrilling. What better place than Virginia?”
Five Star General, who was purchased by Alhadeff for $110,000 at the dispersal of the estate of Glen Todd at the Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale in 2022, ran in five straight renewals of the Longacres Mile, placing all five years and winning the Emerald Downs race the last two years.
“I've been in Thoroughbred horse racing my entire life. My grandfather, Joe Gottstein, founded Longacres Racetrack in the Seattle area in 1933,” Alhadeff. “In 1935, he created the Longacres Mile with a purse of $10,000, the richest race at the distance at the time. Winning back-to-back Longacres Miles with Five Star General is a highlight of my entire career as an owner. I've had the privilege of racing over 100 Thoroughbreds, and Five Star General's continued display of endurance, desire and courage has been breathtaking. His improbable stretch run in the last race before retirement is best described by legendary jockey Joe Bravo, who said 'The horse willed it. He's a warrior.' When a Thoroughbred runs from ages 2 through 8–winning every year–it tells you something very important about their durability and desire.”
Five Star General's dam Party of Interest is a half-sister to multiple graded winner Criminologist (Maria's Mon), dam of multiple graded winner Inspector Lynley (Lemon Drop Kid), as well as to the dam of graded winners Tammy the Torpedo (More Than Ready) and Seek and Destroy (Verrazano).
“Five Star General is what all breeders should be looking for: speed, soundness, exceptional looks and a stallion's pedigree,” said bloodstock agent Chad Schumer. “We have great confidence in his ability to pass on those sought-after traits.”
Five Star General will stand for an introductory fee of $6,000 for the 2025 season and breeding incentive programs will also be available.
For additional information, contact Covilar stallion manager Craig Whitlow at craig@covilar.com or visit www.covilar.com.
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