Winner of the 2024 GI Churchill Downs Stakes and now a young stallion at Three Chimneys, Gun Pilot (Gun Runner–Bush Pilot, by Smart Strike) was recently represented by his first foal, a colt. Bred by Tommy Wente's St. Simon Place in Lexington, the bay colt is out of the winning mare Just Life (Honor Code), a half-sister to GSP Electability (Quality Road) from the extended family of GISW and sire Lion Heart.
“He's a big colt with a lot of bone,” said Wente of the new arrival. “The first thing that struck me was how much he looked like his sire–big and strong. I bred four mares to him last year, and when they come out looking like this, you've got to go back.”
A millionaire and Three Chimneys homebred, Gun Pilot won five races and placed in another five, including the GI Forego Stakes. He will stand the 2026 season at Three Chimneys for $12,500.
“Gun Pilot is very much like Gun Runner–scopey, strong, and a great mover but with a bit more size and substance than his sire,” said Three Chimneys Director of Stallion Nominations Rebecca Nicholson. “Progeny by sons of Gun Runner have been in high demand, and with Gun Pilot entering his second year at stud, he represents a great opportunity for breeders to access this highly sought-after sire line.”
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