Liam's Map, Honor Code Now at Lane's End

Liam's Map   and Honor Code  , multiple grade I winners this year, are both settling in at Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Ky., where they are taking up residence as new stallions of 2016 after their respective efforts in the Breeders' Cup World Championships at nearby Keeneland Race Course.



Liam's Map, usually a front-runner, overcame multiple traffic problems to rally from fourth for a 2 1/2-length victory in the Las Vegas Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) for Teresa and Vincent Viola and co-owner West Point Thoroughbreds and trainer Todd  Pletcher. The 4-year-old son of Unbridled's Song had six wins and two seconds in eight starts and earned $1,358,940.



Honor Code, racing in the $5 million Classic (gr. I), closed late for third behind scintillating winner American Pharoah as the son of pensioned Lane's End stallion A.P. Indy completed his career with six wins, two seconds, and two thirds from 11 starts, with earnings of $2,518,260.



"Liam's race was just incredible," said Lane's End's Bill Farish. "When he broke the way he did his chances were seriously compromised. He likes to be on the front and he couldn't get through and had to check twice. And it was a hand ride. It was great way for him to go off to the stud."



Honor Code, a traditional closer racing in a Classic devoid of early speed to test Triple Crown winner American Pharoah after Beholder and Smooth Roller scratched, was the only closer, Farish said.



"I don't know if American Pharoah would have been hampered by speed even if there was any speed in there," Farish said, "but it definitely change the complexion of the race. But Honor Code was the only horse to make up any ground. But it was 'Pharoah's day."



Farish said stud fees for both horses would be released later. The stallions are available for inspection during Lane's End's open house for breeders, starting Monday, Nov. 2, through Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.



Bred in Kentucky by Albaugh Family Stable, Liam's Map was purchased by J. J. Crupi, agent for St. Elias Stable, for $800,000 at the 2012 Keeneland September yearling sale. In addition to the Dirt Mile, Liam's Map won this year's Woodward Stakes (gr. I) and finished second in the Whitney victory of Honor Code. As a 3-year-old he defeated older horses in the Harlan's Holiday Stakes.



Trained by Shug McGaughey for Lane's End, Dell Ridge Farm, and Teresa Viola Racing (in his final start), Honor Code won the NYRA.com Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) as well as the Remsen Stakes and Gulfstream Park Handicap, both grade II.