The future of horse racing just got a whole lot more interesting! A brand new chapter has begun for Rockridge Stud, but not without a little bit of suspense. Their stallion, Chewing Gum, has officially welcomed his first foal into the world, and it's a filly!
Born on January 14th, this promising young horse is out of Hatta's Appeal, a winning mare by Miracle Man. Pearl Thoroughbreds in New York proudly bred the filly. This event marks an exciting milestone for Chewing Gum, signaling the potential for a new generation of champions.
Chewing Gum himself is an 11-year-old son of the renowned Candy Ride. He transitioned to stud at Rockridge Stud in New York after a celebrated racing career. He captured the prestigious 2022 Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park, trained by the legendary Hall of Famer Bill Mott. Furthermore, he secured a second-place finish in the 2021 Jaipur Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park, narrowly losing to the multiple Grade 1 winner Casa Creed. Chewing Gum also demonstrated his versatility with placings in the 2020 and 2021 Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational Stakes (G3T).
With victories on turf, dirt, and all-weather surfaces, Chewing Gum showcased his adaptability and talent. He retired at nine years old, boasting an impressive record of 5 wins, 5 second-place finishes, and 9 third-place finishes in 35 starts. His total career earnings amounted to $662,426 over six racing seasons. This diverse background sets him up well to produce a variety of talented offspring. But here's where it gets controversial... Some breeders prefer stallions with a clear specialty, while others value versatility. Which do you lean towards?
"We are excited to have a son of Candy Ride in the barn and are quite impressed with this first foal of his—she has a very strong shoulder. Adam Wachtel and Dr. Schleifer sent some mares with strong pedigrees to him, so we are anticipating more lovely foals to come," stated Lere Visagie, the owner/operator of Rockridge Stud.
Bred in Kentucky by Wertheimer et Frere, Chewing Gum's lineage is steeped in racing excellence. He is out of the stakes-placed Forestry mare Shared Heart and is a half-sibling to the Grade 3-placed Sinfiltre. His extended family includes Grade 1 winners Gin Gin and Hard to Justify, as well as Starman, Europe's leading first-season sire in 2025. And this is the part most people miss... These connections to top-tier horses significantly increase the potential for Chewing Gum to sire successful racehorses. The strength and success of his family is a huge asset.
Chewing Gum stands for a private fee at Rockridge Stud near Hudson, N.Y., for the 2026 season. Considering his impressive racing career, strong pedigree, and now the arrival of his first foal, he presents an intriguing option for breeders looking to produce the next generation of stars. But what are your thoughts? Do you think Chewing Gum has what it takes to become a successful stallion? What qualities do you look for when choosing a stallion for your mare? Share your opinions in the comments below!
