After two seasons of racing and breeding, 2019 Little Brown Jug winner Southwind Ozzi p,2,1:53.2f; 3,1:48f ($1,142,585) has officially retired from racing and will stand his first full season in 2024 at Cool Winds Farm in Lima, Ohio.
A multiple Grand Circuit stakes-winning son of the immortal Somebeachsomewhere, the now seven-year-old Southwind Ozzi was an ultra-consistent racehorse that won a third of all his lifetime starts. In his million dollar-earning career that spanned six years, he obtained sub-1:50 win records in each of his last five seasons.
Southwind Ozzi took his 1:48 record while winning the $400,000 Delvin Miller Adios by seven lengths. The signature stakes victory was the fastest by a three-year-old on a five-eighths mile track in 2019 and remains the second-fastest mile in the 57-year history of the Pace for the Orchids.
With nine victories in 15 seasonal outings as a sophomore, Southwind Ozzi banked $847,625 and was the richest three-year-old pacing colt in the tough Pennsylvania Sire Stakes program, winning that $253,000 final, also at the Meadows.
‘Ozzi’ also won the $384,000 final heat of the Little Brown Jug in 1:50.1, following up his 1:50.3 elimination heat victory at Ohio’s renowned Delaware County Fair.
“He’s a good horse and he gives me a lot of confidence when I drive him,” said driver Brian Sears after his Jug triumph. “I know I’ve got a lot of options during the race. I don’t have to be stuck with one plan. He proved it today. He got around the half-mile track great and roughed first over both trips and got it done convincingly.”
He completed his career with $1,142,585 in earnings having finished first, second or third 59 times, with a lifetime summary of 107-36-14-9.
Trainer Bill MacKenzie stated, “We are very proud of 'Ozzi' and his accomplishments, and, in concert with his owners Vincent Ali Jr. and Alma Iafelice, we are excited to partner with Cool Winds Farm in Ohio for the next phase of his career.”
From the Camluck mare Southwind Solara p,3,1:53s ($37,570), the dam of six in 1:53 or faster, Southwind Ozzi is full or half-brother to several stakes winners and fast-class performers, including Southwind Silence p,2,1:52,2f ($504,496); Southwind Bella p,3,1:50.2f—‘23 ($229,495); and Southwind Yukon p,3,1:52.1f ($167,291).
Southwind Ozzi will stand his first full season of stallion service in Ohio for the 2024 breeding season for a stud fee of $3,000, with multiple mare discounts available. For more information, contact Kim and Randy Haines of Cool Winds Farm at 419-227-2665 or 419-234-6772.
(With files from Cool Winds Farm)