Gun Runner’s Il Miracolo to Stand at Crestwood in 2026

Crestwood Farm announced Monday that Il Miracolo will join Pope McLean’s stallion roster for the 2026 breeding season with an initial stud fee of $7,500 Live Foal (Payable Stands and Nurse).

The son of Gun Runner out of Tapit’s World by Tapit earned over $1 million during his racing career that showcased both precocity and durability.

Il Miracolo broke his maiden as a two-year-old with a gate-to-wire victory at one mile in a Gulfstream Park maiden special weight. His three-year-old campaign featured a win in the GIII Smarty Jones Stakes at Parx, along with three additional graded stakes placings including the GI Pennsylvania Derby.

At four, the chestnut added another graded victory in the GIII Ghostzapper Stakes while finishing second in Monmouth’s GIII Philip Iselin and third in both the Gulfstream Park Mile and GII Alysheba Stakes. He most recently finished fifth in the G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

“We are excited to announce Il Miracolo at Crestwood Farm,” said Pope McLean Sr. “Having a son of Gun Runner who was a precocious maiden winner at the age of two, and went on to win graded stakes at the age of three and four, shows the durability and the quality racehorse Il Miracolo was throughout his career. Il Miracolo displayed ability against some of the best of his generation, and he possesses a strong physical presence with size, substance and presence that we believe will impress breeders.”

Bred by Willow Oaks Stable, LLC, Il Miracolo raced for Alexandres Investments, LLC under the conditioning of trainer Antonio Sano.

Sano reflected on his charge’s career: “Il Miracolo was a multiple graded stakes winner and an exceptional athlete who proudly represented us on the world stage in Dubai. He was a remarkable horse in every way–talented, determined, and completely sound. Training him was a true privilege. He will always hold a special place in my career.”

Crestwood Farm is now scheduling inspection appointments at 859-252-3770.