Meet Manitoba’s magnificent seven stallions.
Each of them has a big heart, four legs, and a will to win. They were born that way. It’s in their genetics, and it will be interesting to see which combination produces our next version of millionairess Manitoba-bred Escape Clause.
Over 50 thoroughbred foals were born in Manitoba in the spring of 2021, and they were followed by a record-breaking Manitoba CTHS Yearling Sale in August, as breeders and buyers were stimulated by impressive performances from Manitoba-breds and the newly enhanced incentive program. Interest in owning and breeding a homebred in Manitoba has never been higher, and for good reasons!
There are eight $35,000 stakes restricted to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and South Dakota-breds; a rich Canadian Sales Stakes Series; numerous restricted Manitoba-bred races with lucrative purse supplements; Manitoba Breeder and Stallion Awards; and purse supplements are now paid out to Manitoba-breds for the lifetime of their racing careers. Also new for 2022 is a one-time bonus of $2,000 for any Manitoba-bred when they win their first race.
Manitoba breeders are upgrading their broodmare bands and many plan to breed to their own stallions, which now feature pedigree lines from the best of the breed including Mr. Prospector, Northern Dancer, His Majesty, Seattle Slew, Majestic Prince, Vice Regent, Storm Cat, and Secretariat.
Speculating is the only stallion by Medaglia d’Oro standing in Canada. And he’s in Manitoba.
Blue Grass Stakes (G1) third-place finisher Kentucky Bear (Mr. Greeley-Tate by Afleet) and Speculating (Medaglia d’Oro-Well Dressed by Notebook), a half-brother to Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Well Armed, stand for Ziprick Thoroughbreds and Fouillard Farm. Contact Cam Ziprick, (204) 821-5456, in Russell, Manitoba.
Affirmed Handicap (G3) winner Nonios (Pleasantly Perfect-Stylish Manor by Touch Gold) and Tyro Stakes winner Vengeful Wildcat (Vindication-Wild Snitch by Forest Wildcat) are standing at Dunroven Farm. Contact Maggie Lawson, (204) 632-7043, in Rosser, Manitoba.
Hay Listen Up (Haynesfield-You’renotlistening by Kennedy Road), a half-brother to Gotham Stakes (G3) third-place finisher Nacho Friend and John B. Campbell Breeders’ Cup Handicap winner Your Bluffing, is standing at Goulet Farm. Contact Trevor Goulet, (204) 437-2349, in Vassar, Manitoba.
Man Law (Maria’s Mon-Triple Strike by Secretariat), a half bother to Jersey Shore Breeders’ Cup Stakes (G3) winner Swing and Miss, stands at James Bruce Farm. Contact James Bruce, (204) 767-2210, in Kinosota, Manitoba.
Upper Mesa Falls (Stay Thirsty-Saratoga Lady by Deputy Minister), who is by a Travers Stakes (G1) winner out of a mare that is a half-sister to Flying Childers Stakes (G2) winner Saddad and Grade 3 stakes winners Gaily Egret and Nite Light, stands at Walkowski Thoroughbreds. Contact Dean Walkowski, (204) 761-1221, in Brandon, Manitoba.
There’s something for everyone in the above bloodlines — a mix of speed, stamina, courage and class that will soon be making its mark in Manitoba — if it hasn’t already.
Spring breedings and late night love matches are now being planned.
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