With star pacer Shadow Play settling into his new role as a stallion at Blue Chip Farms, details on his first year at stud will soon be released
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That news comes from Blue Chip Farms' Mike Kimelman, who told Trot Insider that he expects Shadow Play to be extremely popular in 2010.
"All the owners of Shadow Play are staying involved," stated Kimelman, "and we plan to syndicate about 70 per cent of the horse. The deal will be structured in such a way that all breeders can participate - which is something we try to do with all of our stallions. His stud fee is yet to be determined."
Shadow Play (The Panderosa-Matts Filly) won 20 races lifetime and over $1.5 million for trainer and co-owner Ian Moore, who partnered in ownership with Blue Chip as well as NHL legend Serge Savard and the R G McGroup (Gail and Ron McClelland).
"Owning Shadow Play gave us a chance to be involved with some really nice people. Ian absolutely adored that horse. It's great being involved with them."
The pacer reached legendary status in 2008 with a world record 1:48.2 performance in the Adios at the Pocono Downs, followed by his much-heralded two-heat win in the 2008 Little Brown Jug.
After having the foot problems in Delaware, Shadow Play boucned back to give Somebeachsomewhere all he could handle in the 2008 Messenger, a race Kimmelman calls the greatest race he's ever witnessed at the New York half-miler.
The excitement in Kimmelman's voice when discussing Shadow Play's on-track career is contagious, and it's obvious that he looks forward to seeing Shadow Play's first crop.
"He's an absolutely gorgeous horse and we look forward to seeing his foals on the ground in 2011," gushed Kimelman. "I'm sure he'll be well supported."
Kimelman is also sure his stallion will be able to perform in the breeding shed.
"We tested his fertility after the Breeders Crown final at three," said Kimelman. "It was really good, without the horse having any rest time."
Details on the syndication for Shadow Play will be finalized during next week's Black Book Sale in Harrisburg, Penn. Parties interested in more information can look for Kimelman at next week's sale and talk to him there, or contact Jean Brown at Blue Chip.