The Unstoppable Rise of Chapter Seven: Revolutionizing the Trotting Breed

In the aftermath of the remarkable Day 1 of the Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, it's impossible not to be captivated by the extraordinary performance of the legendary trotting sire Chapter Seven and his equally impressive, some might argue superior, son Walner. The dominance of these two trotting titans has left an indelible mark on the industry, redefining the standards of excellence and setting a new benchmark for the breed.

Trailblazers Shaping the Future of Trotting

Trotting Titans Dominate the Yearling Sale

The Lexington Selected Yearling Sale is the pinnacle of the trotting world, where the crème de la crème of the breed converge. Of the 72 trotting-bred yearlings that graced the prestigious Day 1 lineup, a staggering 64% were sired by Chapter Seven and his son Walner. This remarkable statistic speaks volumes about the profound impact these two stallions have had on the industry.The financial implications of their dominance are equally astounding. The trotting-bred yearlings sold on Day 1 amassed a total of $15,951,000, with a remarkable 65% of that figure going to yearlings sired by Chapter Seven and Walner. This unprecedented level of success has cemented their status as the undisputed leaders in the trotting world.

Tracing the Lineage of Greatness

When one contemplates the legacy of Chapter Seven, the mind immediately conjures images of the trotting greats that have come before – stallions like Stars Pride, Valley Victory, and Muscle Hill, who have reigned supreme in the annals of trotting history. It is a rare and remarkable feat to be mentioned in the same breath as these legendary sires, yet Chapter Seven has undoubtedly earned his place among the elite.The journey to this level of greatness, however, was not without its challenges. Chapter Seven's early training days were marked by setbacks, including a fence-jumping incident that resulted in a torn flank and the discovery of an entrapped epiglottis that required surgical intervention. Trainer Linda Toscano recounts the concerns of owner Richard Gutnick, who jokingly lamented that the young colt would "break me before he even gets to race."

The Emergence of a Trotting Superstar

Despite these early obstacles, Chapter Seven's innate talent and determination shone through. Toscano enlisted the expertise of renowned driver Mike Lachance to qualify the young trotter, and Lachance's assessment was unequivocal: "Linda, this is the very best horse you have ever had." This endorsement from a seasoned professional like Lachance was a testament to Chapter Seven's exceptional abilities.Chapter Seven's racing career was marked by both triumph and adversity, as he overcame bouts of illness, including two instances of pneumonia, to achieve a distinguished record. While he may not have reached the lofty heights reserved for the all-time greats, his accomplishments were more than satisfactory, culminating in his recognition as the 2012 Trotter of the Year.

The Emergence of Walner: A Trotting Prodigy

The true star of Chapter Seven's legacy, however, emerged in the form of his son, Walner. Toscano, who had the privilege of training both father and son, describes Walner as a horse with a remarkable presence and an unparalleled level of speed, even surpassing that of his sire. Sadly, a minor injury cut short Walner's racing career, leading to his syndication and retirement to the breeding shed.Toscano's assessment of Walner's potential is nothing short of awe-inspiring. She firmly believes that had he been able to continue racing, Walner could have showcased his true greatness and cemented his place among the all-time trotting greats. Alas, the breed has benefited immensely from his presence in the stud barn, where he has already sired a number of exceptional performers.

The Unstoppable Rise of Chapter Seven

As Chapter Seven's progeny have continued to dominate the trotting landscape, his legacy has only grown stronger. His second crop included the multiple world champion and Hambletonian winner Atlanta, while his third crop boasted the great world champion and rising young sire Gimpanzee.The accolades have continued to pour in, with Chapter Seven's offspring claiming victory in prestigious events such as the Hambletonian and earning international acclaim. His latest star, the remarkable 2-year-old Maryland (formerly Charlie K Hanover), has already amassed an impressive $795,378 in earnings, positioning him as a strong contender for the 2-Year-Old Trotter of the Year title.As Chapter Seven's dominance has become increasingly evident, Blue Chip Farms' Tom Grossman, where the stallion stands, has recognized the need to carefully select the mares that best complement his sire's strengths. This strategic approach has paid dividends, with Chapter Seven leading all categories for money won by his progeny this year, including 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, and all ages.The remarkable rise of Chapter Seven and his son Walner has forever altered the landscape of the trotting breed. Their unparalleled success has set a new standard of excellence, inspiring breeders and enthusiasts alike to strive for greatness. The trotting world has been forever transformed by these two titans, and their legacy will continue to shape the future of the sport for generations to come.