Forte has been retired from racing and has arrived at Spendthrift Farm Oct. 22 where he will take up stud duty in 2024. His introductory fee will be $50,000 S&N and he is available for inspection by appointment.
"The first thing I think about Forte is just how much of an honor it is for us to bring a horse like him to Spendthrift. He's the fifth champion we've been fortunate enough to add to our stallion ranks since 2020, and that's a testament to what (founder B. Wayne) Hughes built and the commitment that Eric and Tammy Gustavson are now carrying forward," said Spendthrift general manager Ned Toffey. "
While we are disappointed for Mike (Repole) and Vinnie (Viola) that Forte wasn't able to end his great career like a champion deserves to, we are very grateful for our partnership with them.
Forte is the first 2-year-old champion to retire to Spendthrift in more than four decades, since the likes of Seattle Slew, Affirmed and Lord Avie. That's some pretty special company, and we couldn't be more excited about his future."
Owned by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, Forte had a distinguished campaign as a 2-year-old a year ago. He broke his maiden by 7 3/4 lengths on debut going five furlongs at Belmont Park. The striking dark bay colt went on to capture three consecutive grade 1 victories, including Saratoga Race Course’s 's biggest juvenile race, the $300,000 Hopeful Stakes (G1) by three lengths going away, and Keeneland\s biggest juvenile race, the $600,000 Breeders' Futurity (G1) in his first try around two turns.
