Cottonwood Farms has announced it will not be offering the stallion services of Cole Muffler (1:53.3 - $682,380) to the general public until further notice.
The announcement comes as a result of ongoing health issues with the 20-year-old son of Tyler B.
Twelve of Cole Muffler’s performers took a mark of 1:50 or better, and his progeny have gone on to bank more than $46 million. He has sired the likes of Loyal Opposition (1:48.4 - $3,021,108), Big Tom (1:48.2 - $1,396,135) and My Boy David (1:47.4 - $1,227,077).
The following message was made available by Terry Hunt, President of Cottonwood Farms:
“I am sad to announce that effective immediately, and for at least the next 30 day period, Cole Muffler will no longer be standing at stud to the general public. As our friends and customers already know, Cole Muffler has been bravely battling lameness issues for several years, with the source of his problems tracing all the way back to his days on the race track. Our long time farm manager, Brent Johnson has done an outstanding job handling Cole Muffler throughout his brilliant career as a stallion here at Cottonwood Farm. I would like to publicly thank Brent for his efforts.
Cole Muffler has a variety of chronic lameness problems which make it nearly impossible to pinpoint the precise event which has brought us to this moment. However, yesterday’s traumatic session in the breeding shed has made an incredibly difficult decision our only real choice. Obviously we will continue to act in the best interests of Cole Muffler. We also appreciate our loyal customers who have booked mares to him for the 2009 season, and want to provide them with adequate notice to allow them to adjust their breeding plans.
In collaboration with a team of experts, we will continue to provide Cole Muffler the very best veterinary medical care possible. Cole Muffler has always given Cottonwood Farm his very best, and he deserves nothing less from us. Our only goal at this time is to help make Cole Muffler relatively comfortable again. We will re-evaluate his condition in 30 days and remain hopeful that he can resume his stallion career later this spring. However we are advising our customers to consider alternate plans for breeding their mares this season.
On behalf of everyone at Cottonwood Farm and Cole Muffler, thank you for your support and your understanding.”
(Cottonwood Farms)