The changing landscape of racing in Northern California has prompted the owners of Finnegans Wake, a grade 1-winning son of Powerscourt, to relocate the stallion to Wyoming where racing development is on the rise in part due to the implementation of historical horse racing electronic games.
Finnegans Wake will stand this year at Wolfpaw Stables' breeding facility in Bear River, Wyo.
"I've decided to move Finnegans Wake from Northern California due to the recent developments and the end of racing in the region," said Eddie Rich, who owns the stallion. "While the decision was not made lightly. It reflects the changing landscape in the industry here. I remain confident in Finnegans Wake as a stallion and believe he will have a positive impact in the state of Wyoming."
Finnegans Wake hails from a live family as a half brother to the Big Brown stakes winner Puca, who is the dam of Mage , the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner, and Dornoch , who won last year's Belmont Stakes (G1).
As a racehorse, Finnegans Wake was a five-time graded stakes winner whose victories included the 2015 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (G1T), 2014 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G2T), 2015 San Gabriel Stakes (G2T), 2015 San Marcos Stakes (G2T), and 2014 Arlington Handicap (G3T), among others. He retired with an 8-4-4 record from 37 starts and earned more than $1.5 million.
"We are thrilled to welcome a stallion of Finnegans Wake's caliber to Wolfpaw Stables", said Samantha Scheffler, owner of Wolfpaw Stables. "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."
Finnegans Wake will be available for inspection by appointment starting Jan. 31. His stud fee is to be offered at private agreement.
Last year, Kentucky Downs owner ECL Entertainment and joint venture partner Clairvest Group announced they entered into an agreement to purchase Wyoming Downs. ECL will operate the Evanston, Wyo., racetrack as well as Wyoming Downs' HHR and off-track betting locations across the Cowboy State.
Also expected to open this year is the state's mile-long racetrack. Thunder Plains Park, located 10 miles east of Cheyenne, will hold Aug. 1 the opening day of its 16-day live meet. The first racing season will feature temporary structures; the essential components, including barns, racing officials' tower, video patrol towers, and spectator areas, will be in place.
Thunder Plains Park is partnering with the Stronach Group's 1/ST to operate the track and its simulcast operations. Future plans at Thunder Plains Park include building a regional equestrian center and establishing a high-altitude horse training and breeding program.
