Undefeated Grade 1 winner Army Mule retired to Hill 'n' Dale
Hill ’n’ Dale Farms announced Saturday that undefeated Army Mule, who raced in the colors of St. Elias Stable, has been retired from racing and will stand stud duty there.
An $825,000 Two-Year-Old in training purchase, Army Mule last raced in Aqueduct's Grade 1 Carter Handicap, stopping the clock for seven panels in 1:20 and change, 4 ticks off the track record. The performance earned him a 114 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest up to a mile in 2018.
“Army Mule was a special talent," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "He was a pleasure to train with a terrific disposition and gorgeous conformation. He had a high cruising speed that allowed him to win a Grade 1 sprint, but I also believe he could have carried it over a route of ground had he been given the opportunity.”
The son of Friesan Fire made two other career starts, serving notice of his brilliance at first asking, breaking his maiden on debut by 8 1/2 lengths on April 30, 2017. Sent off at 20 cents on the dollar in his next start Jan. 31 at Gulfstream Army Mule reaffirmed his talent with a 7 1/2-length romp in 1:08 and change.
"From the moment I watched the video of his work at the Timonium sale, I was determined to have Army Mule in our stable," said owner Vinnie Viola. "His performance on the track, culminating in a dominating win in the Carter Handicap with his 114 Beyer, confirmed our decision to bid aggressively for him. Army Mule retires as an undefeated Grade 1 winner. Our confidence in him was rewarded, and, with his racing performance and beautiful physical, we look forward to Army Mule going on to a great stud career at Hill n Dale where we are excited to support him."
“When breeders see the horse in person they will be overwhelmed by his presence and understand why he was the talk of the Maryland 2-year-old sale, making $825.000," said John Sikura, president of Hill ’n’ Dale Farms. "Undefeated, brilliant and beautiful, the same qualities we saw in Candy Ride and Maclean’s Music, breeders will love him."
The horse will stand for a fee of $10,000 Live Foal Stands and Nurses.