Mill Ridge Farm and the Preakness Stakes
Mill Ridge Farm, established in 1962 by Alice Headley Chandler in Lexington, Kentucky, has played a significant role in American Thoroughbred racing, particularly in the Preakness Stakes. The farm's legacy in this race is highlighted by two notable winners: Point Given in 2001 and Seize the Grey in 2024.
Point Given, foaled and raised at Mill Ridge, was a chestnut colt bred by The Thoroughbred Corporation. He was sired by Thunder Gulch out of the mare Turko's Turn. Known for his size, Point Given earned nicknames like "T-Rex" and "The Big Red Train." Trained by Bob Baffert, he had an impressive racing career, winning the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, and was named Horse of the Year in 2001. His achievements include being the first horse to win four consecutive $1 million races in the same year and earning over $3.9 million in his career. Point Given was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame and lived out his days at the Kentucky Horse Park before passing in 2023 at the age of 25.
Point Given as a foal at Mill Ridge in 1998.
Seize the Grey, another standout from Mill Ridge, was born on April 20, 2021, and is a grey colt by Arrogate out of Smart Shopping. Bred by JAMM Ltd., he was sold for $300,000 at the Saratoga Select Yearling Sale in 2022 to MyRacehorse, a micro-syndicate ownership group. Trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, Seize the Grey won the 2024 Preakness Stakes, leading from start to finish on a muddy track at Pimlico. This victory marked Lukas's seventh Preakness win. Seize the Grey later went on to win the G1 Pennsylvania Derby and retired to Gainesway Farm with career earnings of over $2.4 million.
The success of these horses underscores Mill Ridge Farm's commitment to excellence in breeding and raising Thoroughbreds. Founded by Alice Chandler, who became the first woman to breed an Epsom Derby winner sold at auction with Sir Ivor in 1968, the farm has continued to influence the industry. Chandler's son, Headley Bell, through Nicoma Bloodstock, has been instrumental in advising matings that produced champions like Barbaro, Street Sense, and Seize the Grey.
In summary, Mill Ridge Farm's history in the Preakness Stakes, highlighted by the victories of Point Given and Seize the Grey, reflects its enduring impact on Thoroughbred racing and its dedication to breeding excellence.
Visit us!
Want to experience the future champions firsthand? Have you ever fed a carrot to a thoroughbred broodmare or foal, like SMART SHOPPING and SEIZE THE GREY? Here’s your chance! We schedule group tours and private showings through millridge.com/visit. We’d love to see you at Mill Ridge Farm.