Champion Two-Year-Old Ted Noffey Retires to Stud, Further Ado Continues Racing Career
Ted Noffey, the celebrated champion two-year-old male, is commencing his stud career for the 2027 breeding season at Spendthrift Farm, commanding a fee of $60,000. Simultaneously, Further Ado, a standout performer who recently clinched the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, will extend his competitive career into his four-year-old year, reflecting his continuous progression and promising outlook in elite racing.
Ted Noffey, under the ownership of Spendthrift Farm and the training of Todd Pletcher, distinguished himself as an exceptional juvenile with an unblemished record during his two-year-old campaign. This son of Into Mischief commenced his winning streak at Saratoga, securing his maiden victory before dominating the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes with an impressive 8 1/2-length win. He subsequently showcased his versatility by excelling in longer distances, capturing the Breeders' Futurity (G1) by 2 3/4 lengths. His triumphant season culminated with a commanding performance in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, where he secured his championship. This series of victories underscored his remarkable speed, adaptability, and his commanding presence at the highest echelons of juvenile horse racing, solidifying his status as the champion two-year-old male.
Despite a temporary setback due to bone bruising, Ted Noffey made his return to the track after nearly a year-long absence, participating in the Dwyer Stakes at Belmont Park this past Saturday, where he finished in fifth place. Ned Toffey, General Manager and COO of Spendthrift Farm, expressed immense pride in Ted Noffey's achievements, noting, "To achieve three G1 victories across diverse tracks nationwide truly speaks volumes about his extraordinary talent, inherent class, and early maturity. As a progeny of Into Mischief, he embodies an exceptional blend of genetic heritage and proven performance, making him a valuable addition to our stallion roster. We eagerly anticipate embarking on this new phase of his career at Spendthrift."
In other news, Spendthrift Farm confirmed that Further Ado would remain in active training. This decision follows his impressive triumph in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. The talented offspring of Gun Runner displayed remarkable resilience in a thrilling sprint to the finish line, achieving a 106 Beyer Speed Figure, as reported by the Daily Racing Form. This victory further enhanced his growing list of Grade 1 accolades.
Toffey remarked on Further Ado's progression, stating, "Further Ado appears to be constantly improving with each race, and his showing at the Breeders' Cup unequivocally demonstrated his immense talent. He has continued to mature and refine his abilities throughout the season, and we firmly believe there is still greater potential to be unlocked. We are genuinely enthusiastic about his prospects as a four-year-old and eagerly await his continued competition at the sport's highest level in 2027."
The racing world is abuzz with the contrasting paths of two Spendthrift Farm stars: Ted Noffey transitions from a stellar racing career to a promising future in breeding, while Further Ado, still in his prime, aims for further glory on the track. These strategic decisions highlight the diverse yet equally significant roles these equine athletes play in the thoroughbred industry, from shaping future generations to continuing to deliver thrilling performances.