The breeding rights to GII Wood Memorial winner Irish War Cry (Curlin–Irish Sovereign, by Polish Numbers) have been purchased by a group of breeders and he will stand next to his sire at Hill 'n' Dale Farm at the conclusion of his racing career, Bradley Weisbord, whose BSW Bloodstock brokered the deal, told TDN Monday. The group includes Hill 'n' Dale's John Sikura, Glen Hill Farm's Craig Bernick, SF Bloodstock, Colts Neck Stables, the China Horse Club, Bobby Flay, Sol Kumin and Vincent Viola.
“Curlin has rapidly become one of the world's leading sires,” Sikura said. “Adding his outstanding son Irish War Cry to our roster is very exciting. We think he is a colt of Classic ability and a world-class group of investors has been assembled to support him upon retirement.”
Irish War Cry will continue to be solely campaigned by owner Isabelle De Tomaso and will race in her silks. Graham Motion will continue to train the horse until his retirement.
The striking chestnut, was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' after his debut win at Laurel last November before adding a win in the Marylander S. in December. He won the GII Lambholm South Holy Bull S. in his sophomore debut and enters Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby off a win in the Apr. 8 Wood Memorial.
“This is a win-win for all involved,” said Weisbord. “We are excited to be part of the career of such a brilliant horse, and BSW Bloodstock is grateful we were able to bring together such an outstanding group of partners to build on his legacy.”
Curlin, whose five 2016 Grade I winners included Preakness S. winner Exaggerator, currently stands at Hill 'n' Dale for $150,000.
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