Thorpedo Anna Adds Hill ‘n’ Dale… and Marshawn Lynch to Her Ownership Roster

John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale and the former NFL star have acquired a 50% interest in the outstanding champion

Thorpedo Anna Gears Up for a Start at Saratoga Next Week / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The champion Thorpedo Anna, named U.S. Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly for 2024, has welcomed new partners. Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, led by John Sikura, has acquired a 50% interest in the extraordinary Fast Anna filly, with a curious twist: the deal also includes a minority stake for former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, now venturing into Thoroughbred racing.

The transaction, announced Thursday, was finalized following negotiations with breeder and co-owner Judy Hicks, who, along with Mark Edwards and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), retains her share. Hill ‘n’ Dale purchased the portion previously owned by Brookdale Racing, whose principal, Nader Al A’Ali, opted to sell.

“She’s a mare I’ve known and followed for a long time,” Sikura said. “Initially, I thought of Hill ‘n’ Dale as the consignor if she sold, but I’d never considered taking an ownership role. When the opportunity arose, I pursued it and we reached an agreement.”

The connection with Lynch came about casually just days ago during the recent Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select sale. “I offered him a stake after the deal was done. It’s a small piece; I want him to first learn the game, enjoy it, and gain experience. I told him I would protect his investment,” Sikura explained.

Trained by Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna dominated 2024, winning six of seven starts, including the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1). This year, she has three wins from four starts, bringing her overall record to 14-11-2-0 and earnings of $5,133,413, including six G1 victories.

By Fast Anna out of Sataves (Uncle Mo)—named Broodmare of the Year by TOBA—the dark bay boasts a blue-blooded pedigree featuring Cosmah, Almahmoud, Halo, and Northern Dancer in her maternal line. “She comes from one of the most important bloodlines in racing. She’s a throwback: talented, tough, consistent, and capable of running anywhere,” Sikura praised.

The champion is slated for her next start in the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) on August 23 at Saratoga. Plans are for her to continue training through the end of the season, with the possibility of racing in 2026 if all goes well. “We’re not closing the door on next year, but she’ll tell us. First, we want her to finish this year strong,” McPeek emphasized.

With Hill ‘n’ Dale on board and a media boost from Marshawn Lynch’s involvement, Thorpedo Anna is not only cementing her status on the track but also emerging as one of the most valuable mares in global Thoroughbred racing.