Three Chimneys buys half interest in Palace Malice

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Aiken, SC (Sports Network) - A half interest in Palace Malice has been sold to Three Chimneys Farm by Dogwood Stable with the chance the 4-year-old could return to racing in 2015.

"Breeders who had expressed interest were asked to submit bids on the horse to the Stoll Keenon Ogden law firm, in Lexington on September 19. The somewhat unexpected and unique nature of the Three Chimneys offer was very enticing to us," Cot Campbell, Dogwood Stable President, said.

Palace Malice, winner of last year's Belmont Stakes, was recently retired from racing with an injury. The purchase by Three Chimneys assures that the colt will stand at stud at the Kentucky breeding farm.

"Palace Malice will be examined by a panel of vets on November 15 and if he is 100 percent racing sound to the satisfaction of Three Chimneys and Dogwood, he will be shipped to Dogwood's barn in Aiken, South Carolina, and prepared for another campaign with Todd Pletcher, his trainer throughout his career. Upon retirement from racing, Three Chimneys will acquire full ownership of the horse," Campbell said.

This year, Palace Malice won the Gulfstream Park and New Orleans Handicaps along with the Westchester and Met Mile. The colt has seven wins from 17 career starts for $2,676,135.

It was announced over the weekend that Three Chimneys will stand at stud Eclipse Award winner Will Take Charge. The 2013 champion 3-year-old colt was retired with a leg injury.