Coolmore Acquires Breeding Rights to Magnitude

The Coolmore partners announced July 28 that they have reached an agreement with Winchell Thoroughbreds to acquire the breeding rights to multiple grade 1 winner Magnitude. The brilliant 4-year-old, and one of the highest-rated horses in the world, will continue to compete in the colors of Winchell Thoroughbreds for the remainder of his racing career before retiring to stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud in Central Kentucky. Trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, Magnitude is currently undefeated in his 4-year-old campaign. He cemented his status as one of the world's best horses with an authoritative, gate-to-wire victory over international superstar Forever Young (JPN) in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) at Meydan Racecourse in March and then backed up that performance June 27 by capturing the $1,998,000 Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, securing an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) that will be run this year at Keeneland. A spectacular 9 3/4-length winner of the Risen Star Stakes (G2) at 3, Magnitude overcame a subsequent spring setback to return with a dominant 9 1/4-length victory in the Iowa Derby. During the second half of his sophomore season, he ran third in the Travers Stakes (G1) and second in Pennsylvania Derby (G1) before defeating older horses in the Clark Stakes (G2). To date, Magnitude has earned more than $9.6 million. Bred in Kentucky by Ron Stolich, Magnitude is by Not This Time, who currently leads the North American general sire standings for the year. Magnitude is out of the Bernardini mare Rockadelic, a daughter of the 2007 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Mother Goose Stakes (G1) winner Octave, who also ran second in the 2006 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and third in the 2007 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). Charlie O'Connor of Ashford Stud said: "Magnitude has proven himself to be an absolute powerhouse, combining immense speed, balance, and incredible determination. His performances in the Dubai World Cup and the Stephen Foster showed the world what a talent he is. We've been watching him closely since his spectacular performance in the Risen Star at 3, and we believe he has all the attributes to become an exceptional stallion. He is a striking, exceptionally good-looking horse with tremendous presence. We are thrilled to have come to an agreement with Ron and are looking forward to welcoming him to Ashford when his racing days are complete." Winchell Thoroughbreds' Ron Winchell added: "Magnitude is an incredibly special horse for us, and he has given our family and racing team some of our greatest moments on the track. Knowing he will eventually head to Ashford Stud for his stallion career ensures he will receive the absolute best support and opportunity when he enters the breeding shed. For now, Steve and our team are fully focused on the second half of his 4-year-old season as we point towards the Whitney."