Finnegans Wake Finds a New Home at Wyoming’s Growing Racing Scene

Finnegans Wake, a Grade 1-winning son of Powerscourt and a notable sire, is relocating from Northern California to Wyoming, Blood Horse reports.

This move reflects shifting dynamics in the horse racing industry, particularly in Northern California, where the end of racing has prompted horse owners and breeders to explore opportunities in emerging markets like Wyoming.

Finnegans Wake is a distinguished stallion with an impressive pedigree. He is a half-brother to Puca, the dam of two recent classic race winners: Mage, the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) champion, and Dornoch, who secured victory in the 2024 Belmont Stakes (G1).

As a racehorse, Finnegans Wake enjoyed a successful career, securing five graded stakes wins, including the 2015 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (G1T), the 2014 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (G2T), and the 2015 San Gabriel Stakes (G2T). He retired with earnings exceeding $1.5 million and an 8-4-4 record from 37 starts.

The decision to relocate Finnegans Wake to Wyoming comes amid the declining racing landscape in Northern California. Eddie Rich, the stallion’s owner, explained:

“This decision was not made lightly. It reflects the changing industry landscape here. I remain confident in Finnegans Wake as a stallion and believe he will have a positive impact in the state of Wyoming.”

Finnegans Wake will now stand at Wolfpaw Stables, a breeding facility in Bear River, Wyoming. Samantha Scheffler, owner of Wolfpaw Stables, expressed enthusiasm for the stallion’s arrival, highlighting his elite racing record, proven bloodlines, and connection to recent Triple Crown race winners. These attributes, she believes, make him a compelling choice for breeders seeking to produce high-quality racehorses.

The stallion will be available for inspection by appointment beginning January 31, with his stud fee offered through private agreement.

Wyoming’s horse racing industry has seen a resurgence, driven in part by the introduction of historical horse racing (HHR) electronic games and investments in infrastructure. Kentucky Downs owner ECL Entertainment, alongside the Clairvest Group, recently purchased Wyoming Downs and its HHR and off-track betting locations.

Additionally, Thunder Plains Park, a mile-long racetrack located near Cheyenne, is set to open its inaugural 16-day live racing season on August 1. Temporary structures will be in place initially, but future plans include establishing a regional equestrian center and a high-altitude horse training and breeding program in collaboration with 1/ST Racing, owned by the Stronach Group.