Omaha Beach, War Front’s three-time Grade One-winning three-year-old of 2019, has been retired to stud at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, KY.
“Omaha Beach is doing very well and we look forward to his arrival at the farm on Monday. This is a special horse with true breed-shaping potential, and we are hopeful his impact will carry on as an important sire for decades to come,” said Ned Toffey, General Manager at Spendthrift. “The response we’ve had from the breeding community has been overwhelming and very positive. We plan to show Omaha Beach at the farm for a brief period at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Then, we want to allow him to settle into his new surroundings and new lifestyle as we prepare for the upcoming breeding season.”
Omaha Beach is scheduled to arrive in Lexington late Monday. Spendthrift will host a brief viewing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, Omaha Beach jumped onto the 2019 Triple Crown trail last year with three consecutive victories including the Rebel S. (G2) over two-year-old champion Game Winner and Arkansas Derby (G1) over Improbable and eventual Kentucky Derby winner Country House.
This past fall, he defeated older horses and leading sprinter Shancelot in winning the Santa Anita Sprint Championship S. (G1) – running six furlongs in 1:08 3/5 – and posted an easy 2 ¾-length victory over Grade One winner Roadster in the Malibu S. (G1) in what would be his final start. Omaha Beach was also runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) after a sluggish start, marking his lone defeat from six starts during a decorated three-year-old season. He became the first horse in 30 years to win Grade One at six furlongs and 1 1/8 miles in the same year.
“I think Omaha Beach is as good as they come. They just don’t get any better,” said Mandella.
Campaigned by Fox Hill Farms, Omaha Beach retires to Spendthrift with earnings of $1,651,800. By leading sire War Front, Omaha Beach hails from one of the industry’s most productive dirt families in recent years. He is out of the Seeking the Gold mare Charming, making him a half-brother to 2014 Breeders’ Cup winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Take Charge Brandi. Omaha Beach’s second dam is three-time Grade One-winning millionaire Take Charge Lady, who was named Broodmare of the Year in 2013 after her son Will Take Charge was Champion Three-Year-Old Colt that same year. She’s also the dam of Florida Derby (G1) winner Take Charge Indy.
Omaha Beach will stand his first season in 2020 for a fee of $45,000 S&N. For more information, please contact Des, Mark, or Brian at 859-294-0030 or visit SpendthriftFarm.com.
