Vineyard Haven, a
three-time Grade 1 winner and leading 2-year-old of his generation,
has been retired from racing and will stand his first season in 2012
at Brent & Crystal Fernung's Journeyman Stud in Ocala, FL.
In 2008, Vineyard
Haven was the top 2-year-old in New York after decisive back-to-back
Grade 1 wins in the Hopeful S. (G1) at Saratoga and Champagne S. (G1)
at Belmont. After wintering in Dubai, he returned to the U.S. at
three to finish ahead of a top field in the King's Bishop S. (G1) at
Saratoga but was disqualified and placed second. In his following
start, he proved to be one of the top sprinters in the country,
defeating older horses in the De Francis Memorial Dash S. (G1) at
Laurel.
Vineyard Haven,
who competed in eight Grade 1 races among his 12 starts, also placed
in such top races as the Cigar Mile (G1) and Forego S. (G1). The
5-year-old gray retires with earnings of $772,750. By Lido Palace
(Chi), Vineyard Haven is a Florida-bred and hails from the multiple
stakes-producing mare Princess Aloha.
“Vineyard Haven
is all Florida, and he embodies the great tradition of top racehorses
produced down here,” said Brent Fernung. “When you look at what
he did while facing top company his entire career, they just don't
make them much classier than Vineyard Haven. On top of his talent and
class, he's physically exceptional and a very sound horse. We're
thankful to Darley for the opportunity to stand him, and we think
he'll be popular among breeders.”
Stud
fees for the entire 2012 Journeyman Stud roster, including Vineyard
Haven, will be announced soon. For any inquiries, please contact
Brent or Crystal Fernung at 352-629-1200.
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