Dennis' Moment, a grade 3-winning son of 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow, has been relocated to Golden Creek Equine in Cheyenne, Wyo., where he'll stand his second season at stud as the property of CJ Thoroughbreds and Eugene Joyce. He is standing for $1,500 with a limited number of lifetime breeding rights available, CJ Thoroughbreds announced Sept. 13.
Although Wyoming has a long history of horse racing and is the final resting place of the sport's first Triple Crown winner, Sir Barton, the state's live racing scene nearly disappeared until electronic historical horse racing games were legalized a decade ago. Since then, horse racing has seen a resurgence with $5.2 million awarded to owners, breeders, and stallion owners who participated in the Wyoming Breeders Awards Program in 2022.
A $400,000 yearling purchase at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale by Albaugh Family Racing, Dennis' Moment won by 19 1/4 lengths in his second career start at Ellis Park and followed with a decisive win in the Iroquois Stakes (G3), going two turns at Churchill Downs. He was the odds-on favorite in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) but a stumble at the start cost him any chance of winning. He would go on to place in the Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at 4 and be retired with a 3-2-3 record from 14 starts and $302,962 in earnings.
Trainer Dale Romans said Dennis' Moment showed tremendous ability.
"Unfortunately he got hurt or he would have been a major player in the Triple Crown campaign the next spring," he said. "I think Dennis' Moment will make a great stallion. As a racehorse he was perfectly balanced and had a ton of talent. Also, he is extremely smart."
Corey Johnsen, president of CJ Thoroughbreds, and Joyce were members of the Lone Star Park executive team when the track hosted the 2004 Breeders' Cup World Championships. In Wyoming, they worked together to introduce HHR after Johnsen had success launching the games at Kentucky Downs. Joyce is a partner in Wyoming Horse Racing, which operates nine off-track betting sites that offer HHR games.
"I was around Dennis' Moment early in his career and was really impressed with his brilliance, looks and class," said Johnsen. "It is an honor to own him now and be able to offer a stallion of his quality to breeders in Wyoming and the region. The Cheyenne location makes him accessible to mare owners in Colorado and Nebraska."
Dennis' Moment is out of the winning Elusive Quality mare Transplendid, who is a half sister to Miss Preakness Stakes (G3) winner Time's Mistress (Mr. Greeley) and stakes-placed winner Most Happy Fella (Ecton Park). The immediate family also produced Arlington Million (G1T) winner Golden Pheasant. He entered stud this year at Leadem Farm in Arkansas.
Golden Creek Equine is a full-service 2,500-acre operation that includes 100 acres near Cheyenne.
"My general impression of Dennis' Moment is class," said Kate Anderson, owner of Golden Creek Equine. "From the moment he arrived, he has handled himself with grace and kindness. Not only does he have a stellar disposition, but he is built right and brings an outstanding pedigree and record to Wyoming. We are fortunate to stand Dennis' Moment at a time when Wyoming horse racing is increasing and providing owners with one of the best state bred programs in the nation."
