War Front has made a mark as an international sire, and Homesman added to the tally by taking the G3 Airlie Stud Gallinule Stakes at the Curragh in Ireland. He is now under consideration for the G1 Irish Derby.
In his first attempt at stakes company, Homesman showed determination by taking the lead in the final furlong of the Gallinule and holding off Born To Play by a head at the wire. Ryan Moore was aboard for the win.
“It’s the first time I’ve sat on him and he’s a fine big horse,” Moore said via the Thoroughbred Daily News. “It looks like there is plenty to work with and faster ground would be a help to him, as he struggled to get out of that ground. The size he is, there is plenty of room for improvement.”
Bred in Kentucky by Joseph Allen, Homesman races for Allen in partnership with Coolmore. He is a half-brother to stakes winner U S Ranger, and they are out of the Red Ransom mare My Annette, a half-sister to leading sire Dynaformer.
On the same card, War Front was represented by TDN Rising Star Roly Poly in the G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas. The filly ran a game second to Winter, who had previously won the G1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
War Front has 18 stakes horses to his credit this year, including G1 winner American Patriot. North America’s #1 sire of stakes winners in 2016, War Front stands for $250,000 at Claiborne.