Hill 'n' Dale Farms purchases half-share in Thorpedo Anna
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Hill 'n' Dale Farms announced Thursday that it has acquired a half-interest in 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna for an unspecified amount.
Trained by Kenny McPeek, who selected her as a yearling, she is one of only seven distaffers in the history of the American turf and only the second 3-year-old filly, along with Rachel Alexandra, to claim the coveted title. A six-time Grade 1 winner with victories in the Kentucky Oaks by 4 3/4 lengths, the Acorn by 5 1/2 lengths, the Coaching Club American Oaks by 4 1/2 lengths, the Cotillion by a neck, the Breeders' Cup Distaff by 2 1/2 lengths and the Apple Blossom by 4 1/4 lengths, the mare has compiled a record of 11 wins and 2 seconds from 14 starts, with earnings over $5 million.
“It is extremely rare, if not impossible, to acquire an interest in a mare of this caliber," said John G. Sikura, owner of Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. "A horse of the year, out of a broodmare of the year is beyond a unique commodity. A consummate champion, Thorpedo Anna hails from a pedigree that I have been involved in and respect as foundational to the modern breed. Deep in her pedigree are the names of Cosmah, Almahmoud and the great sires Halo and Northern Dancer who is perhaps the greatest sire ever.
"Kenny has managed her career to perfection and I am excited to be part of the team,” added Sikura. "We have a shared responsibilty to expose our sport to a new audience, as such, NFL superstar and actor Marshawn Lynch is participating in the deal. Mr. Lynch came to Saratoga and experienced our sport and was utterly enthralled."
Thorpedo Anna will race the remainder of 2025 and again in 2026 if she continues to duplicate her brilliant form, Sikura said.
"It has been an amazing journey being around Thorpedo Anna," said Kenny McPeek who is in a very exclusive club among trainers having won both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks in the same year. "Judy Hicks, Mark Edwards and Sherri McPeek's Magdalena Racing will continue to retain their percentage ownership of Thorpedo Anna and we are all excited to continue with such a great partner as John Sikura and Hill 'n' Dale."
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