Classic winner Cloud Computing retires to Spendthrift

Cloud Computing, last year’s Preakness S. (G1) hero and millionaire 3-year-old, has been retired from racing and will enter stud in 2019 at B. Wayne Hughes’ Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, KY.

The dark bay colt will become the newest stallion to participate in Spendthrift’s renowned “Share The Upside” program.

“Cloud Computing is one of those horses that sells himself immediately when you see him. He’s a Classic winner, but he’s also the picture of what a Classic horse is supposed to look like,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift General Manager. “For him to go on and win the Preakness over Classic Empire less than 100 days after making his debut, that’s pretty special and it speaks to his quality. He’s also out of a Grade 2-placed A.P. Indy mare, and the second dam won the Grade 1 Apple Blossom. There’s a lot to like about Cloud Computing, and we believe breeders are going to love what they see.”

The Share The Upside fee for Cloud Computing will be $8,500 for one year. Additionally, breeders must breed a mare in 2020 on a complimentary basis. After the breeder has a live foal in 2020, pays the stud fee, and breeds a mare back, he or she will earn a lifetime breeding right beginning in 2021. For breeders not interested in the Share The Upside program, Cloud Computing will be offered for $7,500 on a standard stands and nurses contract. As always, Share The Upside opportunities are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campaigned by Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence, Cloud Computing captured his six-furlong debut at Aqueduct and jumped straight onto the Derby Trail, finishing runner-up in the 1 1/16-mile Gotham S. (G3) just three weeks later. In his next start, Cloud Computing overcame a poor break and wide trip to rally for third in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2).

Despite qualifying for the Kentucky Derby, Cloud Computing was instead pointed by trainer Chad Brown to the $1,500,000 Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico two weeks later, due to having run three times in the span of eight weeks to start his career. Cloud Computing rewarded his connections with their first Classic victory, taking flight in the stretch and running down 2-year-old champion Classic Empire. Cloud Computing stopped the clock in 1:55.98 for 1 3/16 miles over a fast main track, earning a 102 Beyer for the performance – matching the winning Beyer of recent Preakness winners American Pharoah and Lookin At Lucky, and exceeding the Beyers earned by Justify and Exaggerator in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.

The Classic win – which was over a field that also included Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, multimillionaire Gunnevera, among others – came only 98 days after Cloud Computing’s career debut, making him one of racing’s fastest millionaires in recent history.

“Cloud Computing is one of the best-looking horses I’ve ever had walk into my shed row,” said Brown. “We always had tremendous confidence in this horse, and he showed why in the Preakness. To give up so much seasoning to a champion like Classic Empire, he showed real brilliance to beat that colt. He’s my first Classic winner and he’s very special to us.”

Cloud Computing retires with earnings of $1,125,200. He was purchased by Mike Ryan as agent for $200,000 at Keeneland September, marking the highest-priced yearling from the first crop of promising young sire Maclean’s Music. Cloud Computing hails from the Grade 2-placed A.P. Indy mare Quick Temper, and his second dam is Grade 1-winning millionaire & nine-time stakes winner Halo America.

“When I saw him at Hill ‘N’ Dale in August of 2015 right before the (Keeneland September) sale, I was awestruck. It was instant,” said Ryan. “In fact, I thought he was one of the best yearlings I had seen in 2015. He’s LeBron James. He’s got it all: size, strength, substance, quality, and tons of class.

“He’s such an outstanding physical specimen that I’d be very confident he will reproduce himself. You’ll go a long way before you find a better-looking horse than Cloud Computing. I think when people see him, they will be tremendously impressed with his physique and presence,” Ryan added.

For more information about Cloud Computing, Spendthrift’s Share The Upside program, or to schedule an appointment for inspection, please contact Des, Mark, or Brian at 859-294-0030.