This month’s Stallion Spotlight features Ironicus, a multiple graded stakes winning son of Distorted Humor.
Breeding: Bred by Stuart Janney, III LLC, Ironicus is by Distorted Humor out of the A.P. Indy mare Meghan’s Joy, who herself was a winner and stakes placed. Meghan’s Joy had proved her value as a broodmare before Ironicus’ success as the dam of four other graded stakes winners in Norumbega, On Leave, Hunting and Quiet Harbor. Additionally, Meghan’s Joy is responsible for stakes winner Seal Cove, multiple graded stakes placed Minister’s Joy as well as Silviculture who is the dam of graded stakes winner and 3-time course record setter Onus. On his sire’s side, Distorted Humor boasts 19 individual Grade 1 stakes winners in 6 countries, and is the sire of 12 millionaires. Among Distorted Humor’s progeny are the likes of Drosselmeyer, Funny Cide, Flower Alley and Any Given Saturday. None however, earned more than Ironicus ($1,148,790), who remains Distorted Humor’s leading money earner at stud.
Race Record: Trained by Shug McGaughey, Ironicus broke his maiden at second asking at Gulfstream Park. His first attempt in graded stakes company came in the Gr. 2 Longines Dixie Stakes at Pimlico in 2015. Ironicus stepped up to the plate, winning by 2 ¾ lengths and defeating the likes of G1SW Long on Value as well as the late MG2SW Skyring (who had won the Dixie Stakes in 2013). Ironicus also captured the 2015 edition of the Gr. 2 Bernard Baruch Handicap in course record time of 1:38.54 for the 1 1/16 contest at Saratoga Race Course, the fastest time in a quarter century in that race.
Ironicus opened his 5-year-old campaign with a score in the Gr. 3 Fort Marcy Stakes, and was runner up in both the Gr. 1 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Stakes as well as the Gr. 1 Shadwell Turf Mile. In his final start, Ironicus checked in 4th behind Tourist in the 2016 Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile. On the board in 13 of 15 career starts, Ironicus amassed earnings of $1,148,790 and was retired to start at his birthplace, Claiborne Farm, for the 2017 breeding season.
Stud Career: Ironicus bred his first book of mares in 2017 at a fee of $7,500. His first crop are now just yearlings, and we are very pleased with the progeny that we have seen so far. We look forward to representing several yearlings by Ironicus at the Keeneland September Sale, and can’t wait to eventually see them on the racetrack next year!
Ironicus at Claiborne Farm.
Behind the Scenes: Here’s what Ironicus’ groom, Kevin, had to say about working with the grey stallion on a daily basis:
- Firstly, how long have you been with Claiborne and how long have you been Ironicus’ Groom? I have been taking care of Ironicus going on 3 years since his retirement from racing.
- Tell us a little bit about Ironicus’ personality? Ironicus has a very playful personality. He loves having a camera on him to show off in front of. He likes to show people on the tours that he knows how to remove the slats on his stall.
- Does Ironicus have any quirks/funny habits? He will often stand on his hind legs and put on a show.
- What are Ironicus’ favorite things? Ironicus likes a variety of treats including apples and carrots however peppermints are his favorite.
- Do you have a favorite story or memory involving Ironicus? My favorite memory is getting to go to the Louisville airport to bring him home. There is so much work that goes into these horses from owners to broodmare and yearling crews that its very rewarding to get to bring a homebred back to the big barn.
- Does Ironicus’ demeanor change much between the off season and breeding season? His demeanor doesn’t change all that much between seasons other than he gets a little lazier the warmer it gets. Guess he starts looking forward to vacation!