GISW Finnegans Wake (Powerscout {GB}) will shift from stud duty in Northern California to stand the 2025 breeding season at Wolfpaw Stables in Bear River, Wyoming, according to a press release from the farm on Thursday.
The move to Wyoming comes at a time when racing in the northern part of California has undergone drastic changes over the past year. Finnegans Wake heads to a state where historical horse racing as a funding source for the sport is on the rise.
A stallion with currently four crops to his credit, last year the sire's owners Eddie Rich and Hunter Stallion Station offered complimentary seasons in an effort to assist distressed California breeders.
“My decision is to move my stallion Finnegans Wake from Northern California to Wolfpaw Stables in the state of Wyoming is due to the recent developments and the end of racing in the region,” owner Eddie Rich said via an email. “While this decision was not made lightly, it reflects the changing landscape in our industry. That being said, I remain confident in Finnegans Wake as a stallion and believe he'll be a very positive addition for the Wyoming Thoroughbred breeding program.”
Campaigned by Donegal Racing and Rockingham Ranch, Finnegans Wake's racing career included scores in the GI Woodford Reserve Turf Classic, the GII Hollywood Turf Cup and the GIII Arlington Handicap. With earnings in excess of $1.5 million, he is a half-brother to Puca, the dam of classic winning full-brothers Mage and Dornoch.
“We are thrilled to welcome a stallion of Finnegans Wake's caliber to Wolfpaw Stables”, said Samantha Scheffler, Wolfpaw owner. “His blend of elite racing ability, proven bloodlines and direct connections to recent Triple Crown race winners makes him an exciting addition for serious breeders looking to produce top-tier runners.”
According to Wolfpaw, Finnegans Wake will be available for inspection by appointment starting Jan. 31. His stud fee terms are under private agreement.
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