Trot Insider has learned that 2023 Dan Patch Stakes winner Ponda Warrior has been retired to stud.

A 2022 Indiana champion, Ponda Warrior retires with a mark of 1:48 and earnings of $824,924. He will stand in 2026 at Chapel Ridge Farm of Grabill, Ind.

The son of dominant Indiana sire Rockin Image and stakes-winning American Ideal mare Sweetnsinful is widely known for his thrilling victory in the 2023 Dan Patch Stakes at Hoosier Park. The stallion charged from off the pace to win in his lifetime mark of 1:48 from the 11-hole with a last quarter of :25.4 to tackle aged pacing giants such as Charlie May, Abuckabett Hanover, Little Rocket Man, and Lous Pearlman.

Recognized for his prolific speed and desire in the stretch, Ponda Warrior recorded a last quarter in :26.1 or faster in 24 of his 56 starts. A stakes winner at two, three, and four, he was part of the one of the deepest and fastest Indiana pacing divisions in recent memory. He recorded stakes victories in multiple divisions of the Indiana Sire Stakes (INSS) as well as the INSS Super Final, Dan Patch, Star Destroyer, and Thanksgiving Classic. He also earned stakes placings in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby, Hoosier Cup, Monument Circle, Elevation, and two Breeders Crown eliminations.

Ponda Warrior is owned by Finkelberg Racing LLC, Jay Hochstetler, and South of the Tracks Racing LLC. He was trained by Hochstetler his entire career and driven by Kyle Wilfong from August 2023 onwards.

“Ponda Warrior was by far the smartest, fastest, and gutsiest horse I may ever have the pleasure of being involved with," Hochstetler said. "He wore the same blind bridle and bit his entire career. He never once needed an ear hood on the racetrack and genuinely loved every second of his work. He is a gorgeous horse with immense talent that I am so excited to see him pass on to the next generation."

Wilfong was similarly complimentary.

“Ponda Warrior is a true champion in every sense of the word," he said. "He gave me the biggest thrill of my career winning the Dan Patch in stunning fashion with his wicked closing kick. No matter the circumstance, he gave you everything, and I can’t wait to see him pass his class, heart, and toughness on to his offspring."

Ponda Warrior will stand for an introductory fee of $3,000 USD. For more information, contact Jay Hochstetler at 708-921-1583 or [email protected].

(Ponda Warrior Ownership Group; photo of Ponda Warrior winning on Aug. 11, 2023)