No Delay Expected for Omaha Beach's Breeding Season

A rear right ankle injury kept Omaha Beach  out of what would have been his final race in the Jan. 25 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes Presented by Runhappy (G1), but so far the son of War Front  seems on track to start his stud career next month.

"I saw him this morning, and he looks really good," Ned Toffey said Jan. 24. Toffey is the general manager of Spendthrift Farm, which acquired the breeding rights for the 4-year-old colt. "If there is any lameness, it is minute."

Omaha Beach will ship to Spendthrift near Lexington Jan. 27 and is expected to arrive at the farm Monday evening. After he gets the chance to settle in, the horse's condition will be reassessed, Toffey said.

"We'll know more once he gets to the farm. Based on what we see on the X-rays right now, it is unlikely we'll need to do more diagnostics," Toffey said. "We are cautiously optimistic that there will not be a delay to his breeding season."

Omaha Beach, already a three-time grade 1 winner, appeared in good form heading into the Pegasus. On Jan. 23, however, Dr. Dionne Benson, the chief veterinarian for Gulfstream Park's owner, The Stronach Group, detected swelling in the ankle during a routine inspection. A radiograph was taken and reviewed by Rood & Riddle orthopedic surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage, who determined there was evidence of what he said could be the beginning of a cannon bone fracture. The horse was immediately scratched from the Pegasus.

"It would have been nice to see him end on a high note," Toffey said. "Ultimately, it does not change the fact we think he is an extremely talented and beautifully bred horse, who is a gorgeous physical. The breeders are lined up and excited."

Omaha Beach is the second grade 1 winner and third black-type performer out of the Seeking the Gold winner Charming, who is a daughter of three-time grade 1 winner and multiple grade 1 producer Take Charge Lady. Charming is also the dam of grade 1 winner and 2014 champion 2-year-old filly Take Charge Brandi (Giant's Causeway) and group 1-placed winner Courage Under Fire (War Front).

Bred in Kentucky by the Charming Syndicate, Omaha Beach was raced by Rick Porter's Fox Hill Farms and trained by Richard Mandella. He was retired with a 5-4-1 record out of 10 starts and earnings of $1,651,800. His victories included the Arkansas Derby (G1), Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G1), and Malibu Stakes (G1).

After Spendthrift bought Omaha Beach's breeding rights, the farm set an introductory stud fee of $40,000 that was subject to change as the colt headed toward the Malibu and Pegasus stakes. The Malibu victory bumped his fee to $45,000, where it is now set for the season. Omaha Beach's book is already full, according to Toffey, who said he expects the stallion to breed just over 200 mares this year.