Close Hatches

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is the GI Apple Blossom H., Oaklawn's signature distaff event. The Apple Blossom is such a mainstay in the older filly and mare ranks that it might be a surprise to all but those with the longest memories that the first several winners were males. It's the last 50 years that have been devoted exclusively to the ladies, resulting in a steady diet of champions in...

Beginning his stud career at Taylor Made Stallions with a $10,000 initial fee, Tacitus (Tapit -Close Hatches, by First Defence) earned medalist status on Chris McGrath's 'Value Podium' of new stallions in 2022. Now, with the breeding shed door opening soon, the blue-blooded multi-millionaire has seen an enthusiastic response from breeders and has amassed a solid first book of mares. "He is booked to over 160 mares now," reported Taylor Made's Duncan Taylor. "We've been really satisfied with the reception from breeders. We're not taking every mare he gets offered....

Multiple graded stakes winner Tacitus (Tapit), an earner of more than $3.7 million and a son of champion older female and five-time Grade I winner Close Hatches (First Defence), will stand stud duty at Taylor Made Stallions at the conclusion of his racing career, the farm announced Monday. Owned in partnership by Don Alberto, Juddmonte Farms, and Taylor Made Stallions, Tacitus will stand for a fee of $10,000 S&N terms and a breeding right program will also be offered. "I knew he had to be a champion when I first...

Sponsored by Alex Nichols Agency 3rd-BEL, $92K, Alw, 3yo/up, 6 1/2f, 4:09 p.m. ET Spendthrift Farm made waves when it announced, following the failed drug test of GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico), that it would be moving some horses out of trainer Bob Baffert's barn. One of the most intriguing of those horses, 'TDN Rising Star' FOLLOWING SEA (Runhappy), will make his first start for the Todd Pletcher barn in this first-level allowance sprint early on Thursday's card. Unveiled at 9-10 Mar. 6 at Santa Anita, the homebred...