Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Brook T. Smith's Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), a $2.3-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling sale topper turned 'TDN Rising Star' turned $7-million GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner, will return to the races for a 4-year-old campaign, according to a post on X by Coolmore America Thursday afternoon. Sierra Leone arrived at Coolmore's Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky from Del Mar–site of the 2024 Breeders' Cup last weekend–on Monday and will be freshened for 2025.
The full text of Coolmore's post appears below:
“The owners of Sierra Leone are thrilled to announce that he will be racing as a 4-year-old. After a remarkable 3-year-old campaign, Sierra Leone arrived in Kentucky on Monday and is now enjoying some time off at Ashford Stud, where he will rest and recharge before returning to the track. We are excited to welcome him home for this well-earned respite and look forward to sharing more photos of his 'vacation' with fans along the way!
“We would like to thank Chad Brown and his entire team for all of their hard work and unwavering belief in Sierra, particularly his work rider Kriss Bon, his groom Edgar Orantes Payeras, and Chad's assistant trainer Baldo Hernandez.
“While no definitive race plans have been made yet, we can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented and promising colt!”
In addition to his Breeders' Cup triumph, Sierra Leone's sophomore campaign also included a win in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and placings in a number of top races, including the GI Kentucky Derby.
The owners of Sierra Leone are thrilled to announce that he will be racing as a 4-year-old. After a remarkable 3-year-old campaign, Sierra Leone arrived in Kentucky on Monday and is now enjoying some time off at Ashford Stud, where he will rest and recharge before returning to… pic.twitter.com/l2yaAQUZzH
— Coolmore America (@coolmoreamerica) November 7, 2024
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
