Owner/breeder John Gunther, and daughter Tanya Gunther, have retired their homebred Stage Raider to Pope McLean's Crestwood Farm near Lexington, for the 2025 breeding season.
Stage Raider is a Pioneerof the Nile half brother to 2018 Triple Crown winner and leading sire Justify . The leading third-crop sire through Oct. 30, Justify is already the sire of more than 30 stakes winners, including grade 1 winners and 2-year-old champions City of Troy, Opera Singer, and Just F Y I.
"My dad and I really believe in this horse, and we are excited to start him on his new stallion career," said Tanya Gunther. "Being a half brother to international sire sensation Justify, a great physical, combined with the brilliance he showed early in his career, gives him a license to be a high-class sire. The genetics are there for greatness, considering Pioneerof the Nile sired a Triple Crown winner, and his dam Stage Magic produced a Triple Crown winner who is now an elite sire."
Stage Raider broke his maiden in his second start at Keeneland by an eye-catching 10 3/4 lengths. Winning four races on dirt ranging from seven furlongs to 1 1/8 miles, he posted six triple-digit Equibase Speed Figures, including when winning the R.A. Cowboy Jones Stakes at one mile, and finishing second in the one-mile Ack Ack Stakes (G3). He won or placed in eight of his 18 starts, amassing earnings of $423,370.
"It is an honor to partner with the Gunthers on Stage Raider," said Pope McLean Jr. of Crestwood Farm. "They have an incredibly impressive résumé as the breeders of grade 1 winners, including the likes of Justify, First Samurai, Mo Town, Tamarkuz, Vino Rosso, Stay Thirsty, and Without Parole. We believe that working together, Stage Raider has a tremendous chance to be a top sire."
Stage Raider will stand for $6,500 live foal (payable stands and nurses), and a limited lifetime breeding right program will be available. He will be available for inspection starting in November.
