The Classic has its first defection: Locked is out and will be retired to Gainesway
- Turf Diario
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
According to TDN, the Gun Runner colt sustained a health setback that will prevent him from running at Del Mar, and he will begin his stallion career at Gainesway in 2026
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The U.S. racing scene has lost one of its brightest older stars. A timely illness has ruled Locked out of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), and with it came the announcement of his retirement to stud. The Gun Runner colt will begin his new career at Gainesway Farm, where he is set to stand the 2026 breeding season, as confirmed by the farm in a statement released Friday.
Bred in the United States and campaigned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac, Locked was trained by Todd Pletcher, under whose care he developed into one of the most talented and versatile runners of his generation. His blend of precocity, class, and adaptability now positions him as an exceptional stallion prospect.
Locked is the second foal out of Luna Rosa (Malibu Moon), a winner on the track and a member of a highly productive family. She is a half-sister to multiple Grade I winners Gabby’s Golden Gal (Medaglia d’Oro) and Always a Princess (Leroidesanimaux). With that maternal strength—and the unmistakable influence of Gun Runner, who extends the male line of Argentine legend Candy Ride (Ride the Rails)—it’s no surprise that Gainesway describes him as a “natural heir” to the Three Chimneys champion.
His talent was evident early. At two, Locked burst onto the scene at Saratoga, drawing off to win by 7 1/4 lengths, a performance that earned him TDN Rising Star honors. He followed up with victory in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland, before closing out his juvenile campaign with a third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1)—establishing himself among the nation’s elite.
After nearly a year on the sidelines due to a setback that cost him a spot on the Kentucky Derby trail, Locked returned at three in devastating form, stopping the clock in 1:21.20 for seven furlongs at Belmont at Aqueduct, just shy of the track record. He reaffirmed his ability shortly thereafter in the Cigar Mile (G2), defeating older horses including Grade I winners Mullikin (Violence) and Book ’em Danno (Bucchero).
At four, he reached full maturity. Traveling west, Locked produced a tour de force in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), winning by 8 1/2 lengths—the largest margin in the race’s storied history. His numbers were as impressive as the performance itself: 109 Beyer, 3½ Ragozin, and –5 Thoro-Graph.
“From day one at Ocala Stud, Locked stood out as a special talent,” said Aron Wellman, president of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “He was a star at two, came back stronger after injury, excelled at multiple distances and surfaces, and capped it all with a Woodward victory that defied logic. With his physique, toughness, and pedigree, we believe he has everything it takes to become an elite stallion at Gainesway, a true successor to Gun Runner.”
Antony Beck, president of Gainesway, echoed the sentiment: “Locked is an exceptional prospect. He displayed brilliance and versatility from seven furlongs to a mile and a quarter. We’re thrilled to have him and plan to support him with a significant number of our best mares.”
Locked retires with six wins from 11 starts and earnings of $1,911,825, a résumé built on precocity, consistency, and class. His arrival at Gainesway not only ensures the continuation of Gun Runner’s legacy, but also strengthens the prospect of a new branch within one of the most influential sire lines in modern racing.
