Graded stakes-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Copper Bullet (More Than Ready–Allegory, by Unbridled's Song) has been retired from racing and will take up stud duty at Darby Dan Farm for 2020.
Owner Ron Winchell has teamed up with Dr. David Lambert's Equine Analysis Systems to establish three qualifications for mares to be considered for Copper Bullet's initial book. Mares who meet all criteria will be accepted to breed to Copper Bullet for free, and their owners will receive $5,000 once the mare has been pronounced in foal for 45 days.
The first qualification is based on age, race record, family and production. Should a mare pass that first filter, a pedigree and conformation photo will be sent to Dr. Lambert and his team for analysis.
The photo will be uploaded into Equine Analysis Systems' “FotoSelect” program where an algorithm will take biomechanical measurements of the mare.
Should the mare pass all requirements at that stage, the owner will then receive a complimentary season with the opportunity to receive payment should the mare be pronounced in foal at 45 days.
“There are many reasons, based on physiology, anatomy, and genetics that a horse has the potential to become an elite stallion,” said Dr. Lambert. “Just like Tapit, Copper Bullet is such a horse. We have a panel of scientific tests and he passes them all. If now we can also scientifically select his mares, then his future chances become extraordinary.”
A $200,000 KEESEP yearling campaigned by Winchell Thoroughbreds and Willis Horton Racing, Copper Bullet earned 'Rising Star'-dom for a second-out romp as a juvenile at Churchill Downs in May of 2017. He added a four-length victory in the GII Saratoga Special S. two starts later, and the Steve Asmussen pupil was second by a neck in the GIII Razorback H. at Oaklawn this February. He retires with earnings of $339,345 and a race record of 9-3-3-0.
“This horse checked all the boxes that Mr. Winchell uses in evaluating horses to purchase,” said Darby Dan Farm's Stallion Director Ryan Norton. “He believes in this horse and his analytics so much that he is willing to spend his money to prove how much he believes in this horse and the science. We are excited to be at the forefront of such a forward-thinking model for how to breed horses.”
The 4-year-old is a grandson of SW and MGSP Louve Royale (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) and hails from the family of European highweights Loup Sauvage (Riverman) and Loup Solitaire (Lear Fan) and to MGSW/MGISP Loup Breton (Ire) (Anabaa).
Copper Bullet is currently available for inspection. To submit a mare for consideration, contact Ryan Norton at 859-254-0424 or visit DarbyDan.com.
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