Alicia Wincze is the turf writer for the Lexington Herald-Leader. She started riding at age 8 and was a four-year member of the Pace University equestrian team.
Top sire Rahy pensioned
Posted by Alicia Wincze on July 2, 2009
Rahy, one of the foundation sires of Three Chimneys Farm, has been pensioned from stallion duty due to declining fertility. The 24-year-old stallion will stay at Three Chimneys throughout his retirement.
Bred in the United States and sold as a yearling for $2 million to Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Rahy began his racing career in Europe under the tutelage of Sir Michael Stout, and returned to the States at age four, where he was trained by Neil Drysdale and captured the Grade II Bel Air Handicap at Hollywood Park by 10 lengths.
In addition to his success on the track, Rahy made a real name for himself in the breeding shed. He sired 84 individual stakes winners, which includes 12 millionaires and 14 Grade I winners. Rahy’s most notable runners include Fantastic Light (2001 European Horse of the Year and winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf), Serena’s Song (winner of 11 Grade I races), Noverre (multiple Group I winner and Champion Three-Year-Old Miler in England), Dreaming of Anna (Champion Two-Year-Old Filly and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner), and Grade I winner Dancing Forever.
“Rahy is one of the most important stallions we’ve had,” said Case Clay, president of Three Chimneys. “Not only was standing him a great opportunity for Three Chimneys, but it allowed us to begin a very enjoyable and successful partnership with the Maktoum family. While it’s too bad Rahy won’t have anymore crops going forward, we’re excited to have his son Lewis Michael here to carry on his legacy.”
Rahy stood for $50,000 in 2009 and $60,000 the year prior. His son, Lewis Michael, a multiple Grade II winner and a full brother to Champion Dreaming of Anna, stood for $12,500 in 2009 at Three Chimneys Farm.
