Veterinarians have given Credit Winner, the leading trotting sire in North America last year, the green light to breed more mares than anticipated at the start of the 2011 breeding season

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The 14-year-old stallion had been approved to breed 75 mares this year, but Blue Chip Farms will expand his book to at least 100 mares, and may accept additional mares if Credit Winner’s performance continues to improve.

Last year Credit Winner scored a remarkable 'Triple Crown' among trotting stallions in North America. He was the leading sire of two-year-olds, three-year-olds, and all-age performers. In 2010, his performers earned more than $8.5 million, putting him well ahead of Angus Hall, Muscles Yankee, Yankee Glide, and Conway Hall.

Credit Winner is the sire of the millionaire colts Chocolatier and Crazed as well as numerous other trotters which won more than $500,000. Overall, his offspring have earned over $44 million in the U.S. and Europe.

Credit Winner has spent his entire breeding career at Blue Chip Farms, but, like some other stallions, has been sensitive to cold weather. Early in the 2010 season, Credit Winner suffered diminished libido. Veterinarians at New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania worked to enable Credit Winner to serve a limited book of 52 mares last year. In the fall of 2010, Blue Chip was able to continue to collect Credit Winner’s semen for freezing, storage and use during the 2011 breeding season.

“2010 was a difficult year for Credit Winner. Thankfully 2011 is looking much, much brighter for him,” said Blue Chip Farms Owner Thomas Grossman. “We’re dealing with animals, not machines, and proper management is essential. We appreciate the support and understanding of the many Blue Chip customers who have booked mares to Credit Winner. “

With the approach of spring this year, Credit Winner’s performance in the breeding shed is improving and gives veterinarians reason for confidence that he will only get better.

“Credit Winner has been behaving better in the breeding shed in the last two weeks than all of last year,” said Mike Kimelman of Blue Chip Farms. “We appreciate the efforts of our veterinarian Dr. Herb Burns, who has supervised Credit Winner’s breeding career since he retired came to Blue Chip. It’s helped that he knows Credit Winner so well.”

Inquiries about bookings to Credit Winner should be directed to Jean Brown at Blue Chips Farms at 845-895-3930 (Ext.) 14 or go to bluechipfarms.com to submit an online application.

(Blue Chip Farms)