Our Thoroughbred Stallion History

Mill Ridge Farm stood its first stallion in 1984 with DIESIS, an English runner. Mrs. Alice Chandler was in England when DIESIS won the Dewhurst so impressively that she begged her friend Lord John Howard de Walden to syndicate him as her first stallion at Mill Ridge Farm. Upon his retirement at Mill Ridge Farm, he sired three English Oaks winners and a high percentage of stakes winners, graded stakes winners, champions, and international recognition as a broodmare sire. 

DIESIS' career was illustrative of Mill Ridge's international influence, providing a foundation with his European connections and success. His career also solidified Mrs. Chandler and Mill Ridge Farm were influential in the future success of the thoroughbred industry on an international level. After a successful career, and healthy life, he was laid to rest on the farm.

Champion and classic winner GONE WEST joined the stallion roster in 1988. GONE WEST was a Grade 1 winner who won or placed in seven graded stakes at 3, including the 1987 Dwyer (G1), Gotham (G2), and Withers (G2) Stakes. He was bred in Kentucky by Dr. William O. Reed. GONE WEST sired 98 stakes winners, including Grade 1 two-time Breeders’ Cup Mile Winner, DA HOSS, Breeders’ Cup Turf winner JOHAR in 2003, champion sprinter SPEIGHTSTOWN, COMMENDABLE, CAME HOME, LASSIGNY, GRAND SLAM, and WEST BY WEST. His success was international with English and French champion son ZAFONIC, and German champion ROYAL ABJAR.

GONE WEST was purchased at the 1985 Keeneland July yearling sale by James Mills for $1.9 million. His trainer, Woody Stephens, said he would make a great stallion, and he did just that. He was a quick start, ranking 10th on the first-crop sires list by progeny earnings in 1991, then third on the second-crop list, then second on the third-crop list. In 1995, he ranked third on the general sires list, with progeny earnings of $5.1 million. The success of his male line consists of 32 prominent stallion sons and grandsons.

Upon his passing, GONE WEST was buried next to DIESIS, here at Mill Ridge.