Reaping the Rewards

Savvy stallion investments gave Ron Winchell and Winchell Thoroughbreds a banner 2022

Although the lifetime chance of being struck by lightning is only one in 15,300, lightning ofen does strike the same place twice. Tat fact, courtesy of the National Weather Service, not only puts to rest a long-believed myth but also provides a metaphorical explanation for Ron Winchell’s success in the Toroughbred world.

By Lenny Shulman

Lenny Shulman

Any horse owner hopes to campaign a runner that becomes a top stallion, which is where the “real” money is made in Toroughbreds. Winchell has realized that dream not once but twice. First came Tapit, an accomplished though not spectacular racehorse who proved to be a prepotent sire. Tapit has led the North American stallion standings three times, and his sons and daughters will cross the $200 million markinearningssometimein2023.Winchellhadthe foresight to maintain a 50% interest in Tapit in a partnership with Antony Beck’s Gainesway, where Tapit has stood his entire stallion career.