Coolmore announced Aug. 10 it had reached an agreement to join the partnership that owns undefeated Gulfport, the 12 1/4-length winner of the Bashford Manor Stakes, and will stand the colt at Ashford Stud upon his retirement. Gulfport is owned by Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, and Whispering Oaks Farm.
The son of Ashford's Uncle Mo out of multiple-stakes producer Fame and Fortune, by Unbridled's Song, was bred in Kentucky by Diamond Creek Farm. Fame and Fortune is a full sister to grade 1 winner Cross Traffic. Gulfport was sold at Fasig-Tipton's 2021 July Sale for $275,000 to Pick View out of the Eaton Sales consignment.
With trainer Steve Asmussen, Gulfport became a first-out winner June 10 at Churchill Downs with a seven-length win going five furlongs in :56.85, which was 2/5th off the track record. He followed with his more impressive performance in the July 4 Bashford Manor. His victory was by the widest margin in the history of the six-furlong black-type event and his time of 1:09.25 was the second-fastest clocking in the race. He earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure, the co-second-highest for a 2-year-old this year.
"We are delighted to partner with William and Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, and Whispering Oaks Farm on such an exciting son of Uncle Mo," said Coolmore's M.V. Magnier. "His performance in the Bashford Manor was very special, and we think there's a lot more to come."
