Airoforce and Uncle Vinny Relocated to Equistar
Image:
Description:
Photo: Courtesy Cabin Creek Farm
Young stallions Airoforce , a multiple graded stakes winner, and grade 3 winner Uncle Vinny have been relocated to Equistar Training and Breeding Center near Annville, Pa., and will both stand for $2,500, the stallions' owners announced Jan. 22.
"We believe Equistar will be a great fit for both Airoforce and Uncle Vinny," said Jeff and Stacy Jeans in a statement about their stallions' relocation. "We chose Equistar largely because we share very similar views on marketing stallions and this allows both Airoforce and Uncle Vinny to continue to take part in the lucrative state-bred program here in Pennsylvania."
Airoforce and Uncle Vinny, who previously stood at Cabin Creek Farm, were both precocious 2-year-olds breaking their maidens upon first asking and both winning graded stakes early in their freshman seasons.
Airoforce, a 7-year-old son of Colonel John, won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) and Dixiana Bourbon Stakes (G3T) at 2 and was runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T). He was a finalist for Eclipse Award 2-year-old male championship honors along with Nyquist and Mohaymen . Airoforce was retired with a 3-3-0- record out of 12 starts and earned $679,130.
The first stakes winner produced by Cuvee's multiple stakes-placed daughter Chocolate Pop, Airoforce entered stud in 2018. His first foals are yearlings of 2020.
Uncle Vinny, a 7-year-old son of Uncle Mo , won his debut by 4 1/2 lengths and then captured the Sanford Stakes (G3) two starts later. He also finished third in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) and at 3 placed in the listed Long Branch Stakes. He retired with a 2-1-2 record out of 12 starts and earned $224,500.
Uncle Vinny is the second stakes winner and third black-type performer produced by Arealhotlover, a stakes-winning daughter of Untuttable. The stallion entered stud in Florida in 2017, so his first foals are 2-year-olds this year.
Rodney and Sharon Eckenrode own and operate Equistar, which also stands Smarty Jones, Crown of Thorns, and Poseidon's Warrior. An open house will be announced within the next couple of weeks after the two stallions settle in, according to the Jeans.