Jujubee to stand at stud
The Trotter of the Year and Breeders Crown champion in 2021, Jujubee, has been retired and will stand at stud at Ivy Lane Farm in Goshen, Ind., for a fee of $4,000.
Jujubee, owned by Jon Erdner, and trained by Meadows-based Greg Wright Jr., was be felled by injuries and a chronic problem with his feet the past two years.
Jujubee was stalled in pursuit of greatness as an aged horse. However, he had his moments as a 4- and 5-year-old performer.
Erdner believed Jujubee would flourish as an aged trotter. He once called Jujubee “the horse of a lifetime.”
He finally decided retirement was best.
“This seems like the best fit for (Jujubee),” Erdner said, Friday morning. “I wanted to play the hand out (racing) but he just had too many injuries to overcome.”
Erdner worked with Robert Boni, owner and president of Northwood Bloodstock and well-known Standardbred expert, to find Jujubee the right place.
“I trust (Boni) and felt like he had Jujubee’s best interest and best place for (breeding) success.”
Boni lamented Jujubee’s injuries and pitfalls of the last two years but said “make no mistake, (Jujubee) had a great 3-year-old season.
“Unfortunately, issues stopped him from showing himself (the last two years). This is a great program he is moving into and it gives him a chance for success.”
The owner said he had a couple $1 million offers for the horse after the big 3-year-old season. Some industry sources say he even passed on a $2.5 million sale offer.
Erdner said depending on Jujubee’s success as a sire, he still could be syndicated.
Jujubee won 14 races in 2021, finishing no worse than second in 17 of 18 races. His victories included the Breeders Crown for 3-year-old male trotters, Kentucky Futurity, Pennsylvania Sire Stakes final, and Phil Langley Memorial.
The colt won the Futurity in 1:49.3 and the Muscle Hill Trot in 1:49.4.
Jujubee’s performances have been all over the board as extreme as finishing 10th at the Cutler at The Meadowlands early this season to winning the $21,200 Open Handicap Trot (July 29) at The Meadows in 1:51.1 – the fastest mile trotted in the 60-year-old track’s history. It boosted his lifetime earnings to more than $1.193 million.
“He’s been such a true champion,” Wright said. “He’s the only 3-year-old trotter to post two sub 1:50 miles.
“Training him is the thrill of a lifetime. I hope he passes his power and speed to his offspring and is a good sire.”
Boni added that Jujubee becomes the first Breeders Crown champion and Trotter of the Year to stand in Indiana.
“This is a great opportunity for Jon, Indiana and the horsemen there.”