Champion Good Magic retired to stud at Hill 'n' Dale Farms

Multiple Grade 1-winning champion Good Magic has been retired and will stand at John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms in Lexington, Ky., it was announced Monday.

The son of leading sire Curlin was trained throughout his career by Chad Brown for the co-ownership group of e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables.

“Good Magic is a fantastic addition to our stallion roster. It is rare indeed for a champion 2-year-old to retain his Grade 1 form at 3, which was witnessed by Good Magic’s narrow defeat by super horse Justify in the Kentucky Derby," Sikura said. "We sold Good Magic (to) breeder Stonestreet for $1 million as a yearling and he was a beautiful horse. I remember him as medium-sized, a great mover and completely correct.

"Valiant, supremely talented and by Curlin, breeders will love him."

Good Magic's juvenile campaign was nothing short of magical, having placed in the Champagne (G1) at Belmont, prior to serving notice of his talent with a resounding 4 1/4-length romp in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar. It led to him being named Eclipse Champion Two Year Old Male.

Having won the Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at age 3, Good Magic went on to be second to undefeated Triple Crown winner Justify in the Derby. Good Magic then captured the second Grade 1 with a three-length win in the Haskell Invitational. He finished his career with a run at the Travers Stakes (G1) before shut down for the year due to a reported minor injury.

“Good Magic showed incredible talent and durability as I put him through the most demanding campaign of any horse I’ve ever trained," said trainer Chad Brown. "He’s an extremely rare colt and should make a top stallion.”

"It is a bittersweet day," added co-owner Bob Edwards of e Five. "Good Magic had a tremendous effect on my family, friends, our racing connections and his fans. His heart and determination were second to none. Good Magic was a consummate professional throughout his racing career.  My family and I look forward to seeing his offspring race at the highest level."

"Good Magic is the embodiment of the breeding philosophy we have at Stonestreet. We are proud to stand a Champion son of our Two-Time Horse of the Year Curlin," said co-owner and breeder Barbara Banke.

Good Magic retires with a record of 9-3-3-1 with career earnings of $2,945,000 and will stand for a fee of $30,000.