A successful sire passing away always leaves the horse racing industry wondering if one of their sons will be able to carry on their legacy. When Unbridled’s Song passed away in 2013, it left Taylor Made Stallions wondering which of his sons would fill the space that he left. Juddmonte obtained Arrogate, Lane’s End got Liam’s Map, and Three Chimneys had Will Take Charge. Taylor Made Stallions was able to purchase Graydar, the horse who is considered to be the most similar to Unbridled's Song in looks and class. Graydar was bred by W.S. Farish of Lane’s End and was born on May 16, 2009. His pedigree was superb and he was classy and gray - just like his sire. His dam, Sweetest Smile, was a winner on the track and has produced six winners in eight foals. His sire, Unbridled’s Song, was a force to be reckoned with on the track and in the breeding shed. Graydar is a descendant of Secretariat on his dam’s side and Mr. Prospector appears on both sides.
Graydar entered the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2010. Despite his pedigree, he did not reach his reserve price of $85k and therefore went back to his owners. He returned to the sales ring the following year as a two-year old, commanding a price of $260k. He would be racing under Twin Creeks Racing’s lime and brown silks.
Graydar entered Todd Pletcher’s barn to begin his training for a career on the racetrack. Hopes were high that this son of Unbridled’s Song would carry on the legacy of his sire. He made his maiden debut at three-year old on April 8th, 2012 at Gulfstream Park. He won by 8 ½ lengths and earned himself a 100 Beyer Speed figure.
The colt was far too late to be a contender for the Triple Crown races and his connections were taking things slowly. The colt entered an allowance race at Belmont Park in September, finishing 3rd. This would be his only loss. He finished out the year by winning an allowance optional claiming back at Gulfstream in December.
Although he missed all of the big three-year old races, Graydar was shaping up to be a great racehorse. He made his four-year old debut in the Gr.1 Donn Handicap in February of 2013. With absolute ease, Graydar took the lead and never gave it up to win his first graded stakes race. By doing so, Graydar became Unbridled’s Song 100th stakes winner.
One month later, Graydar proved he was no fluke by winning the Gr.2 New Orleans Handicap. He swept around the far turn and aligned himself with Mark Valeski. The two battled down the stretch, eye for eye and nose for nose until Graydar was able to pull off for the win.
Unbridled’s Song passed away just a few months after Graydar’s win in the New Orleans Handicap. This prompted Taylor Made Stallions, who stood Unbridled’s Song for 17 seasons, to purchase an interest in Graydar. A chip was found in Graydar’s right, front ankle after the New Orleans Handicap. He had a successful surgery at Rood and Riddle and was sidelined at Winstar Farm for three months to recover. His recovery schedule included swimming, aqua-treading, and a daily gallop. He returned to Todd Pletcher at Saratoga in July.
The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in November of 2013 was Graydar’s next target, but life would prevent him from making his goal. He had sustained a quarter crack. It was announced in October that he would be missing the Breeders' Cup. Instead, Graydar made his final career start in the Gr.2 Kelso Handicap at the end of September. He won the race by ¾ of a length.
After the Kelso Handicap, Graydar retired to stud at Taylor Made Farm. There he is a near spitting image of his sire and looks to carry on his legacy.
Although Graydar has yet to be as dominant at stud at his sire, he has been producing many winners and has been near the top of the leading sires lists. Among his top progeny are Gray Magician, Gray Attempt, and Lombo.
While Graydar still works on his stud record, he can be admired for his performances on the track. He retired with a record of 6:5-0-1 and earnings of $841k. He earned triple digit Beyer figures in all but one of his starts. Graydar now spends his days meeting his fans, taking trips to the breeding shed, and living lavishly at Taylor Made. What more could a stallion ever need?
Graydar, #8, in the Gr.2 New Orleans Handicap.
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