Candy Ride reaches pinnacle of breeding: Argentina gains another Chef-de-Race

The Haras Abolengo standout earns Chef-de-Race honors from Dr. Steven Roman, cementing a remarkable legacy defined by speed, stamina, and international influence

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The legacy of Candy Ride (ARG) has long been beyond dispute based on his racetrack performance and commercial success. However, the Haras Abolengo-bred superstar has now received the ultimate genetic validation: he has been formally inducted into the elite group of Chefs-de-Race. According to the latest update by Dr. Steven Romanpublished on PedigreeQuery, Candy Ride joins a select tier of stallions recognized for fundamentally shaping the future of the Thoroughbred.

This distinction places Candy Ride as only the fourth Argentine-bred stallion to earn the title, joining legends Congreve (Intermediate), Forli (Classic), and Sideral (Classic). Candy Ride has been classified across the Brilliant(4–6 furlongs) and Classic (10–12 furlongs) categories, a testament to a rare genetic breadth capable of transmitting both pure speed and classic stamina.

His induction comes alongside a "power crop" of new Chefs-de-Race, including global giants such as Into Mischief, Distorted Humor, Empire Maker, Speightstown, and Uncle Mo, further illustrating the magnitude of the achievement.

While his prowess at stud secured this honor, it was built upon an unforgettable racetrack career. Unbeaten in six starts, Candy Ride earned $724,800 and set two records that still resonate. In 2002, he was crowned Champion Miler in Argentina after winning the GP Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1) in a then-world record time of 1:31.01 for the mile.

Exported to the U.S. under the care of Ron McAnally, he reached even greater heights in 2003. He captured the American Handicap (G2) before delivering a monumental performance in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar. There, he stopped the clock in 1:59.11 for the 2,000 meters—a track record—while defeating the great Medaglia d’Oro. That effort earned him a 123 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest in the U.S. that year, and an International Classification of 127 lbs., ranking him as the co-top dirt horse in the world for his category.

Entering stud in 2005 at Hill ‘n’ Dale (later moving to Lane’s End), Candy Ride defied the skepticism that had followed previous South American stars. He led the general sire list in 2017 and 2018 and remained a perennial top-10 fixture for nearly a decade. His progeny—noted for their versatility across dirt, turf, and synthetic—include champions such as Gun Runner, Shared Belief, Game Winner, and Vekoma, as well as influential sires like Twirling Candy.

As a broodmare sire, his impact continues to grow through runners like Epicenter and Search Results. Biologically, he remains a rare "outcross" within five generations, offering immense compatibility with modern lines, particularly finding great affinity with Storm Cat mares.

The designation of Candy Ride as a Chef-de-Race does more than honor a single horse; it reaffirms the global stature of Argentine breeding. He no longer belongs merely to the memory of the track; he belongs to the history of the breed.