Journeyman Relocates Stallion Operation, Sets 2023 Fees

Brent and Crystal Fernung announced Nov. 19 they have relocated their Journeyman Stud operation northwest of Ocala, Fla., to another farm they own about eight miles away near the community of Reddick for the 2023 breeding season. "When we built the original stallion farm in 2008, our goal was to accommodate a large contingent of stallions and hence a 15-stall stallion barn," said Brent Fernung. "Over the years, we've changed our sights toward more quality, fewer numbers, and no longer saw the need for the larger operation. We've owned the Reddick property since 2006 and previously utilized it as our foaling facility and to start breaking yearlings." The Reddick farm is at 13450 NW Gainesville Road and is now home to the four stallions Journeyman is standing. Continuing to head the farm's roster is Khozan, who led Florida's general sire standings in 2020 and 2021 and is leading the standings this year as of Nov. 18 with nearly $4 million in progeny earnings. The son of Distorted Humor has sired 11 black-type performers so far this year, led by grade 1-placed, grade 3 winner Hot Peppers, who won the Victory Ride Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park and was second in the Longines Test Stakes (G1). The sires other stakes winners this year include Lure Him In and Me and Mr. C., who have both thrived on turf. Khozan will stand next year for $6,500. Journeyman is also home to Uncle Mo's grade 3-winning son Uncle Chuck, who entered stud this year. Uncle Chuck captured the 2020 Los Alamitos Derby (G3) at 1 1/8 miles in his second career start after winning his debut by seven lengths. Injury cut short his racing career, which was limited to three starts. "We were overwhelmed by the support that he received in 2022," said Crystal Fernung. "Uncle Chuck bred 133 mares last year, his first year at stud. That was more than any stallion outside of the state of Kentucky." The stallion is out of the multiple grade 1-placed, grade 2 winner Forest Music, making him a half brother to top 20 North American sire Maclean's Music. Uncle Chuck will stand next year for $6,500. St Patrick's Day, a stakes-performing full brother to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, will stand for $3,500. The 7-year-old son of Pioneerof the Nile will be represented by his first 2-year-olds in 2023. Rounding out the roster will be multiple stakes-winning Florida champion Chance It, a 5-year-old son of Currency Swap who at 4 was third in the Forego Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and second in the Smile Sprint Invitational Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. At 2, Chance It won two of the three FTBOA Sire Stakes division races for males and was second in the third on his way to collecting $583,330 in career earnings. His first foals will be born next year. Chance It's stud fee will be $2,000 in 2023. The Fernungs will announce the date for their open house in January to showcase the new facility. Journeyman Stud Fees