Brilliant Sire Mineshaft Pensioned from Stud Duty at Lane’s End Farm

The 26-year-old son of A.P. Indy, Mineshaft shone on the racetrack and went on to build a stellar career as a sire

The Mineshaft Legacy: A True Champion / LANES END

MIDWAY, Kentucky (Special to Turf Diario) – The breeding career of the remarkable Mineshaft has come to an end. At 26 years old, Lane’s End Farm, where the stallion had stood since the end of his racing career, announced that he will be pensioned from stud duty.

A son of A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew) and Prospector’s Delite (Mr. Prospector), who also made her mark at the same farm, the dark bay was a sensational racehorse and went on to exceed expectations as a sire, producing notable runners and becoming one of the great sources of stamina in the North.

Mineshaft began his racing career under John Gosden in England, but it was upon returning to the United States and racing on dirt that he would build a remarkable campaign that earned him titles as Horse of the Year and Champion Older Horse in 2003. In Europe, he won in his second start at Newmarket and finished third in the Prix Daphnis (G3), but it was in the U.S., under Neil Howard’s training, where his true potential was realized.

He won his first three starts, including the Diplomat Way Handicap (L), before finishing second in the Whirlaway Handicap (G3). He then captured the New Orleans Handicap (G3), Ben Ali Stakes (G3), and Pimlico Special Handicap (G1).

After finishing second in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1), he ended his 2003 campaign in brilliant fashion by winning the Suburban Handicap (G1), Woodward Stakes (G1), and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).

At stud, Mineshaft produced 8 G1 winners from 20 crops, including Senor Buscador (Saudi Cup and recently retired to Lane’s End), Effinex, It’s Tricky, True Timber, Dialed In, Discreetly Mind (a sire in Uruguay), Weep No More, and Bond Holder.

“Mineshaft means so much to our family and to the farm,” said Bill Farish, President of Lane’s End. “When he returned to Lane’s End after his racing career, literally everyone at the farm gathered in the stallion barn to celebrate his achievements and welcome him back. He is a truly special horse.”

Without a doubt, Mineshaft left his mark as both a phenomenal racehorse and a successful sire. His name will likely continue to resonate for years to come.