Twirling Candy Poised for Success in Landmark Year

Just two weeks ago, we highlighted the remarkable rise of two sires in North America’s General Sires List: Constitution and Twirling Candy.

Twirling Candy was the standout performer, soaring seven spots from No. 14 to No. 7. He has maintained this position, drawing accolades for the Lane's End stallion’s remarkable year, which includes a stud fee of $60,000 at the farm in Versailles, Kentucky.

While Twirling Candy, a son of Candy Ride, may not be the first name that springs to mind when discussing elite sires, his impressive consistency since beginning his stallion career in 2012 has made him a coveted asset among breeding operations.

His first foals hit the tracks in 2015, and between 2015 and 2020, Twirling Candy secured the No. 2 spot among his peers annually, consistently trailing behind Uncle Mo.

Over the years, Twirling Candy's ranking on the General Sires List has steadily improved, climbing from No. 66 in his sophomore year to a peak of No. 10 in 2021. Last year marked his second-best overall finish, wrapping up at No. 13 with progeny earnings of $10.7 million.

His most successful season to date was in 2021, highlighted by Rombauer's near-miss as the stallion’s second single-season millionaire, accumulating $890,000 in earnings—following Concrete Rose, who achieved millionaire status in 2019.

As of now, Twirling Candy holds the seventh position overall with progeny earnings totalling $11.465 million, with ample opportunity remaining this year to increase that figure. He is just over $603,000 away from breaking into the top five.

With six millionaires already to his name—Gear Jockey, Concrete Rose, Pinehurst, Morticia, Gift Box, and Rombauer—Twirling Candy’s newest millionaires are Ag Bullet and Walkathon. Walkathon notably secured her place with a victory in the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Stakes (G1T) on August 31, following wins at the Endeavour Stakes (G3T) and the Regret Stakes (G3T).

A versatile winner, Twirling Candy retired with an impressive record of 7 wins, 1 second, and 1 third from 11 starts, earning $944,900. However, it’s his progeny that are truly making waves on the turf. Over the past three years, he has ranked as the No. 7, 8, and 6 turf sire, respectively. This year, with Walkathon’s contributions, he leads the turf sire rankings with nearly $7 million in progeny earnings.

Other notable runners for Twirling Candy this year include Ag Bullet, Iscreamuscream, and the standout 2-year-old filly Kilwin.

After years of shadowing his formidable classmate Uncle Mo, Twirling Candy is on the cusp of a breakout year that could see him shine brighter than ever.