Curlin Perseveres to Sire First Kentucky Derby Winner
BloodHorse • • general
Key Points:
- Curlin, a 22-year-old stallion and son of Smart Strike, achieved his first Kentucky Derby winner with Golden Tempo on May 2, after previously siring three Derby runners-up.
- Curlin had a distinguished racing career including winning the 2007 Preakness Stakes and the Breeders' Cup Classic, earning him Horse of the Year honors and champion 3-year-old male title.
- As a sire, Curlin has been highly successful, ranking among the top sires in North America since 2015 and commanding a stud fee exceeding $200,000 since 2023.
- Golden Tempo, co-bred by Phipps Stable and St. Elias Stable, exemplifies Phipps Stable's breeding philosophy focusing on proven two-turn horses suited for American classic races.
- The cross of Curlin with Bernardini mares, like Golden Tempo's dam Carrumba, has produced a high percentage of stakes winners, highlighting a strong genetic affinity enhanced by the Mr. Prospector sire line.
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