An exceptionally well conformed colt from the first crop of Pulpit’s Grade 1-winning son Pyro was born at Runnymede on March 6, becoming another unique foal for the farm as he is believed to be the only individual by his sire outside of Japan.
Produced by Tres Tres Joli, an unraced daughter of Gone West and Grade 3 winner Silver Tornado, a half sister to Grade 1 winners and sires Roman Ruler and El Corredor, the chestnut colt was conceived in Japan. Runnymede and longtime friend Peter Callahan, the co-breeder, decided to bring Tres Tres Joli back to the United States to deliver the foal, and the colt has exceeded expectations.
“We loved the idea of mating this mare to Pyro as the match met our criteria for physical and genetic compatibility, and to say it worked is an understatement,” said Runnymede Vice President and General Manager Martin O’Dowd. “This foal is an absolute star; he is beautifully conformed, a very fluid mover and he has the most engaging personality—he is so inquisitive and intelligent.”
A star every year he raced, Pyro won the Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course as a four-year-old after capturing the Louisiana Derby (G2), the Risen Star Stakes (G3) and the Northern Dancer Stakes (G3) and finishing third in the Travers Stakes (G1) at three. As a two-year-old, he finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and the Champagne Stakes (G1).
Acquired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum from Winchell Thoroughbreds, Pyro earned more than $1.6-million and was retired to stand at Darley Japan on the island of Hokkaido. Darley has supported Pyro with its own mares and hopes that the stallion can emulate the success of other sons of Pulpit such as Tapit and Sky Mesa.
In addition to the Pyro colt, Runnymede also has the only foal outside Japan sired by champion, two-time Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner and English classic winner Conduit, a filly produced by our Danehill mare Josette. The Conduit filly also is an outstanding individual with excellent conformation.
Tres Tres Joli will be bred back to Harlan’s Holiday this spring, while Josette has been booked to More Than Ready.