Stonestreet's multiple stakes winner Atreides (Medaglia d'Oro–Dream Rush, by Wild Rush) has been retired from racing due to a tendon injury and will take up stud duties next month at Hill 'n' Dale Farm.
“Atreides represents the very best of the Stonestreet breeding program,” said Stonestreet owner Barbara Banke. “His dam Dream Rush is one of the most important producers in America today, already the dam of Grade I winner Dreaming of Julia, Atreides, and the exciting recent maiden winner Perchance. Atreides was a brilliant racehorse and we will support him with top mares. I don't think we have raised a horse with more potential as a racehorse or sire prospect.”
Dream Rush, winner of the 2007 GI Darley Test S. and dam of GI Frizette S. winner Dreaming of Julia (A.P. Indy), was represented in the auction ring by a $1.2-million Keeneland September yearling by Tapit last fall.
“This was one fantastic racehorse with looks, brilliance, physique and pedigree,” said Stonestreet racing manager John Moynihan. “We don't sell these kind when they retire, we partner with farms that make stallions. There was no end to his ability.”
Atreides romped through the first three starts of his career last summer and was tabbed a “TDN Rising Star” after a 17 1/2-length demolition of the Aug. 30 Monarchos S. He suffered the first defeat of his career when sixth in the GII Indiana Derby, but returned to the winner's circle with a 4 1/2-length victory in the Dec. 7 Aventura H. Atreides retires with four wins from five starts and earnings of $120,176.
“Atreides was the fastest and most talented colt I have trained,” said trainer Marty Wolfson. “He could sit and wait or go to the front any time he wanted. He had the kind of speed superstars have. He destroyed fields and was absolutely a horse with Grade I ability. While I am sad he retires prematurely, I look forward to training offspring of a super talented horse.”
Atreides will begin his stud career at John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm for a fee of $6,500.
“We launched Medaglia d'Oro, and were co-owners of Dream Rush, so this is like a coming home for us,” said Sikura. “I love everything about this horse–just watch his race replays and you know he was a star. Along with Maclean's Music, I believe we have two brilliant young sire prospects, and I am appreciative of the confidence Stonestreet has shown by partnering with us in making these stallions. We will support Atreides with top mares from both our programs.”
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