By Jill Williams
Some horses never seem to set a foot wrong. Speightstown is one of those. From $2-million Keeneland July yearling to Breeders' Cup winner to champion to influential sire, he's not only done it all, but done it all extremely well.
When WinStar's David Hanley was asked if he had a few words to say about the remarkable 25-year-old, he said with a laugh:
“I've more than a few words. He's a wonderful horse. I've been very lucky and fortunate to be around him for the past 10 years. He's a magnificent character and a very kind-natured horse. Always looking for treats, but always willing to do what you ask him to do. He has a beautiful head and a sweet nature.
“Up until a year a year ago, we used to ride him every day and he would bow his neck and swell up like he was going to the racetrack. He was a wonderful racehorse and is now a great stallion with 26 Grade I winners in his career. At the age of 25, he has Prince of Monaco, the highest rated 2-year-old in America right now, and several young sons at stud, which is amazing. He's also one of the best broodmare sires right now. He's just a wonderful horse, an amazing horse. It's been a privilege to have him.”
Speightstown (1998 chestnut horse, Gone West–Silken Cat, by Storm Cat)
Lifetime record: Ch. sprinter, GISW, 16-10-2-2, $1,258,256
Breeders' Cup connections: B-Aaron U. and Marie Jones (KY); O-Eugene and Laura Melnyk; T-Todd Pletcher; J-John Velazquez.
Current location: WinStar Farm, Versailles, Ky.
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