Monday, November 29, 2021

Three Chimneys’ Gun Runner, the 2017 Horse of the Year and the Leading Sire of Two Year Olds worldwide as well as the Leading Freshman Sire in 2021, has established an all-time progeny earnings record for a first crop sire, eclipsing super sire Uncle Mo’s first crop earnings record established in 2015. To put the significance of this accomplishment into perspective, Uncle Mo’s first crop earnings surpassed the previous record established by the legendary Tapit back in 2008.

The previous first crop progeny earnings record of $3,670,354 as reported by the Blood-Horse and $3,717,490 as reported by the TDN, was surpassed today when the Tom Amoss-trained Shotgun Hottie won a $92,000 MSW race at Churchill, becoming winner number 22, boosting Gun Runner’s earnings over $3.8 million. Gun Runner’s milestone earnings record mirrors that of Uncle Mo’s, having sired two Grade 1 winners including a Breeders’ Cup Champion. Their records differ, however, in that Gun Runner has sired one more Graded Stakes winner than Uncle Mo, with fewer starters.

“Gun Runner’s record start at stud is a crowning achievement for the farm and its philosophy.” said Three Chimneys’ owner Gonçalo Torrealba. “To surpass a record established by Uncle Mo, and Tapit previous to that, clearly compares Gun Runner favorably at this point in time with two of the most influential sires at stud today. He not only established a new progeny earnings record but he is also the Leading Sire in America by percent Stakes Winner to runners among all sires, pretty astonishing. Three Chimneys’ whole team is grateful to the breeders who continue to support him with great mares, and a special thanks to partner Ron Winchell. He has been fantastic. I am grateful for his continued commitment to breed his best mares and race their progeny. Trainer Steve Asmussen has created his legacy through Horse of the year Gun Runner and his progeny. Thank you, Steve.”