America’s Coolmore has announced that multiple Grade 1 and Dubai World Cup hero Magnitude, alongside undefeated Dual Grade 2 winner Paladin, has retired from racing and will take up stud duties for the 2027 breeding season at Ashford Stud.
The size that had been destined for this Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic was unfortunately scratched at the vet’s decision, bringing the curtain down on the show’s racing career. Bred by Winchell Thoroughbreds and trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, the son of Not This Time has proven himself as a global power. His 4-year-old campaign was highlighted by a dominant, gate-to-wire victory over international superstar Eternal Youth in the $12 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan, followed by a dominant victory in the $2 million Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs. An outstanding 9¾-length winner of Rising Stars and a 9-length Iowa Derby winner of three, the Ronald Stolich colt retires as one of the best horses in the world.
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Paladin joins the Ashford roster after a brilliant, albeit abbreviated, career on the track. Trained by Chad Brown, Paladin is undefeated in three races. He established himself as a leading talent by winning over the youthful Stai Remsen. At three, he further cemented his status as the Kentucky Derby’s first-born favorite, winning the Resurrected Stakes and later beating Kentucky Derby hero Golden Time. Unfortunately, a non-displaced condylar fracture sustained in his right front ankle during this Florida workout, forced him to pull the trigger from the Triple Crown and ultimately led to his retirement. By Gun Runner, the Paladin boasts an exceptional physique, made possible by its $1.9 million price tag as a Saratoga.
“We were absolutely blown away by the size of the shaver when he was performing like before the Dubai World Cup,” said Charlie O’Connor, Director of Sales at Ashford Stud. “We are truly incredibly excited to display two colts of this quality in the barn stall. Magnitude has proven himself to be an absolute power at the world’s highest levels; and Paladin is a superbly handsome, undefeated son of Gunner who showed immense brilliance before an unfortunate injury. Both have superb bodies to match the breed’s records and pedigrees and we can’t wait.
Both shooters will be available for viewing starting this Monday, with their respective fees to be announced in due course.
This story was first published by Paulick Report on Oct. 29 2026, when first in the church News section Add the Paulck Report as Preferred Source by clicking here.