NEWS: BREEDING

Simmard’s first foal on the ground

Monday, February 3rd, 2014

Dormellito Stud reported that multiple graded stakes winner Simmard (Dixieland Band-Dibs, by Spectacular Bid) has produced his first foal, owned and bred by Antonio Francesco. The foal was born on January 30 at Mill Creek Farm, and is out of Embracing Hearts, a stakes placed daughter of Sky Mesa from the family of Hennessy and Editor’s Note. The new baby is the first born of 49 expected foals by Simmard in 2014.

“Finally, all of our hard work is starting to pay off,” says Antonio Francesco, owner of Simmard. “For everyone involved, it’s a long awaited dream-come-true to find out what can come from such a quality, sound horse.”

With the first foal on the ground, Mr. Francesco is confident that Simmard – coming from a top sire-producing female line – will successfully stamp his foals while allowing the mares to refine those qualities with their own impressive traits.

“Simmard has proven himself on the track, and now we surely anticipate that he will prove himself at stud,” he says.

Trained by Roger Attfield, Simmard retired to stud last year having won the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida Stakes at Gulfstream (1 3/8 miles), Grade 3 Louisville Handicap (1 1/2 miles in stakes record time) and Chief Bearhart Stakes (1 1/4 miles). His stakes placings include runner-up finishes in the Grade 1 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes, Grade 2 W. L. McKnight Handicap, and Grade 3 Singspiel Stakes. He finished third in the Grade 2 Elkhorn Stakes, Grade 2 Pan American and Grade 2 Bowling Green Handicap. Injured while preparing for last year’s Grade 1 Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap, Simmard retired after six campaigns with a career record of 7-5-4 from 32 starts and earnings of $635,953.

As the only son of Dixieland Band available to breeders in New York, Simmard will stand his second season at stud in 2014 at Mill Creek Farm near Saratoga Springs for a $2,800 fee.

2 Responses to “Simmard’s first foal on the ground”

  1. Congratulations Tony & Gabrielle,

    Can’t wait to see Simmard’s babies. I am sure they are beautiful. Best of luck with each and every foal.

    Patty

  2. Gabrielle says:

    Thanks Patty! Come and see the babies any time!

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