Ten years after his retirement, dual Horse of the Year Wise Dan is enjoying a life of leisure on the farm with his trainer Charlie LoPresti. The brilliant gelding, who thrilled crowds during his racing career, now spends his days in the company of his half-brother Successful Dan, basking in the adoration of his many fans.

Honoring a True Champion's Enduring Impact

Wise Dan's Royal Lineage and Remarkable Rise to Stardom

Bred and raced by the late Morton Fink, Wise Dan's pedigree is steeped in royalty. The chestnut gelding is by Wiseman's Ferry, a son of the Storm Cat stallion Hennessy, and his dam is Lisa Danielle, who traces back to the legendary Secretariat mare Askmysecretary. This connection to the iconic Secretariat adds an extra layer of intrigue to Wise Dan's remarkable story.Wise Dan's path to greatness began with a promising start, as he broke his maiden at Turfway Park in 2010 by an impressive 15¼ lengths. From there, the gelding quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, winning the G3 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland and earning a spot in the Breeders' Cup Sprint later that year.

Wise Dan's Turf Dominance and Unprecedented Accolades

It was Wise Dan's switch to the turf, however, that truly cemented his legacy. After a narrow defeat in the 2011 Firecracker Handicap, the gelding embarked on a sensational turf campaign, winning 18 of his next 21 starts, including a record-setting victory in the G3 Ben Ali Stakes and four consecutive G1 wins, culminating in back-to-back Breeders' Cup Mile triumphs.Wise Dan's dominance on the turf earned him unprecedented accolades, as he became the first horse since John Henry in 1981 to receive both the turf and older male Eclipse Awards, in addition to being named Horse of the Year in 2012 and 2013. His remarkable achievements solidified his status as one of the greatest turf horses of his era.

Overcoming Adversity and Cementing a Lasting Legacy

Wise Dan's career was not without its challenges, however. In 2014, the gelding underwent emergency colic surgery, but his indomitable spirit and the unwavering care of his trainer, Charlie LoPresti, ensured a remarkable comeback. Wise Dan's victory in the G2 Bernard Baruch Handicap that year was a testament to his resilience and the deep bond he shared with his connections.Despite a slight tendon tear that ultimately led to his retirement in 2015, Wise Dan's legacy continued to grow. In 2020, he was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a horse whose intelligence, versatility, and sheer determination captivated racing fans for years.

Enjoying a Well-Deserved Retirement Alongside His Half-Brother

Today, Wise Dan spends his days in the tranquility of the Kentucky farm he calls home, surrounded by the love and admiration of his devoted fans. The gelding continues to delight visitors with his charming personality, readily interacting with children and adults alike, as if he knows the impact he has had on the sport.Alongside his half-brother Successful Dan, Wise Dan enjoys a life of leisure, relishing the simple pleasures of rolling in the mud, grazing in the fields, and occasionally sparring with his sibling. It's a far cry from the roar of the crowds he once thrilled, but for this champion, the quiet contentment of retirement is a well-deserved reward for a career that will forever be etched in the annals of racing history.