On Tuesday (Oct. 19) N.J.-based Deo Volente Farms, a leading Standardbred breeding operation, and Kentucky based Taylor Made Stallions and Taylor Made Sales Agency, an outstanding business in America’s Thoroughbred world, along with California Chrome’s breeder Perry Martin, announced an unprecedented crossover deal in which owners of Trixton and California Chrome will buy shares in their new partner’s horses.
In doing so, these captains of their industries are establishing a strategic relationship that will encourage growth and new investment in the racehorse industry.
California Chrome holds the top spot in the Longines 2016 World Ranking of Racehorses and is the highest earning racehorse in history having earned in excess of $13.4 Million in purses. Bred by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, he won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness in 2014, and after recovering from a minor injury in 2015, he made an extraordinary return to the track in 2016. His athletic prowess is on full display as he has thus far been a perfect six-for-six this year under the expert handling of trainer Art Sherman, including victories in the $10 Million Dubai World Cup, the Pacific Classic and the Awesome Again. California Chrome’s next scheduled appearance is at Santa Anita for the $6 Million Breeders’ Cup Classic. With such an outstanding career, the 2014 Thoroughbred Horse of the Year out of Love the Chase by Lucky Pulpit, and grandson to the prominent sire Pulpit, is sure to have an exciting and promising career in the breeding shed.
Trixton, trained by one of the world’s leading trainers, Jimmy Takter, captured the 2014 Hambletonian, the most prestigious race in the Standardbred world. The stallion offers superior pedigree in the harness world today. He is by Muscle Hill, also a Hambletonian winner (2009). In turn, Muscle Hill is a son of the 1998 Hambletonian winning sire, Muscles Yankee, a stallion responsible for three consecutive Hambletonian winners. Muscles Yankee in turn is the foremost son of the foundation sire, Valley Victory. Trixton’s dam is a full sister to three very successful stallions in the Standardbred industry -- Andover Hall, Angus Hall and Conway Hall. He retired from racing in 2014 and his innovative dual-continent syndication sold out in two days. He secured a full book of the who’s who of mares globally in 2015 and 2016 and his first foals will be presented as yearlings in 2017.
“Both Taylor Made and Deo Volente Farms are shining examples of quality and integrity, following the bedrock foundations of horsemanship, customer service, and innovation; we are delighted that Ernie Martinez introduced us. Mike and I developed an immediate relationship, as we both are passionate not only about excellence, but also, and more importantly, about our Christian faith,” said Mr. Duncan Taylor, CEO of Taylor Made.
The family-run business began operations in Kentucky in 1976 by Joe Taylor, father of the Taylor brothers, Duncan, Chris, Ben, Frank, and Mark. Taylor Made was soon recognized for their quality care and quickly ascended to the apex of the thoroughbred world, selling horses for over one million dollars each by the 80’s and establishing themselves as top sellers by the 90’s with continued success in breeding and on the racetrack today.
Deo Volente Farms was founded in 2008 by its CEO, Michael J. Gulotta, and a board of investors. Gulotta has been an owner in the harness racing business for over 25 years. “My commitment to the Standardbred industry is unwavering and I am delighted to have the esteemed Taylor Made family join the Trixton Syndicate,” said Gulotta, who is Treasurer, Chair of the Breeders Committee and an Executive Board Member of New Jersey’s Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association.
As innovative and forward looking leaders, both Taylor and Gulotta believe that this union is a unique example of thoroughbreds and standardbreds being mutually supportive and standing united so as to attract next-generation fans and investors.
With these stellar stallions and thoughtful leaders, this is the first step in their collaborative journey together.
(with files from Deo Volente)