Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms announced Thursday that multiple Grade 1 winner Charlatan has been retired from racing and will take up stud duty at the farm’s newly restored stallion complex at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa in Paris, Kentucky.
Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, the imposing son of Eclipse champion Speightstown out of Breeders’ Cup Distaff placed Authenticity, he sold as the second highest priced colt for his sire at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was hammered down for $700,000.
Purchased by SF Bloodstock / Starlight West, the colt raced for owners SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Hertrich, III, Frederick, Fielding, John D. and Golconda Stables.
The freakishly-talented Charlatan served notice of his brilliance in his first start, drawing off by 5 3/4 lengths in 1:08 and change for the six panels. All told, the brilliant chestnut who many compared to Justify, compiled a record of 4 wins and a second from 5 starts with career earnings of $4,047,200. He decimated the field in the Arkansas Derby (G1), winning by 6 lengths, in a hand ride. He rounded out his 3-year-old campaign with a devastating and visually impressive performance in the Malibu (G1) where he won by 4 1/2 widening lengths. His only defeat came in the $20 million Saudi Cup where he was edged out at the wire, running a gallant second to Mishriff (G1) $13,947,445. He won his 4 races by a combined 26 and a half lengths.
“Horses with Charlatan’s immense ability combined with superior pedigree, conformation, depth of female family and star-quality appeal are a very rare commodity,” said John G. Sikura, president of Hill ’n’ Dale. “He is one of the most talented horses I have seen run who combines world class sprinter/miler speed with the ability to carry it around two turns. He is a striking individual who should impart size, substance, balance, and brilliance to his foals.”
“We’re very proud of everything Charlatan accomplished in his brief but brilliant career: He’s one of the most perfect physical specimens to come to stud in recent times and there’s no doubt he will be supported accordingly. On behalf of the SF racing partners we wish John and the team at Hill ‘n’ Dale the very best,” said Tom Ryan managing partner.
“Physically he’s one of the best physical horses we’ve ever bred. What sets him apart is the way he moves. He moves like a great horse. He is just a real athlete. He is the epitome of what we’ve tried to breed up to this point. Charlatan is a perfect combination of the genes meeting the physical. He is an absolute standout,” said Stonestreet Farm bloodstock adviser John Moynihan.
A stud fee will be announced at a later time.
Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms Press Release
Photo: Charlatan, (Benoit)
