Fazenda Três Chaminés, located in the large fields of Kentucky, in the United States, is a place that, due to the success and success it has achieved, has become a model in its sector. Started in 1972 by Robert and Blythe Clay as a small operation, this operation has flourished over five decades to become one of the most significant operations in thoroughbred horse breeding worldwide. This article details the history of the farm of the three chimneys and the capabilities of its animals, especially after the arrival of manager Gonçalo Torrealba in 2013.History and Origins of the Farm Located between the cities of Versailles and Midway, on the white sand beaches of the American state of Kentucky, the farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, the operation that began as a small livestock restoration business has grown into one of the premier horse breeding facilities in the world. Since its founding, Three Chimneys has managed the careers of some of the finest horses in American Thoroughbred history, such as Gun Runner, Dynaformer and Seattle Slew, and legendary stallions such as Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Why did this happen? The location of Three Chimneys Farm, in Kentucky, is considered significant, as the North American country, nicknamed the “horse capital of the world”, has excellent pastures for raising these horses. The state, which is home to more than 240,000 horses, 54,000 of them purebreds, has soils rich in limestone, a mineral that provides the nutrients needed to sustain the green grass found in the region's animal pastures.
It was in the early 20th century that Kentucky established itself as a leader in horse breeding. This situation, followed by the introduction of services such as specialized breeding and specialists such as managers and trainers to supervise the day-to-day operations of the farms, meant that the equestrian industry began to significantly affect the local economy, according to federal data. .
Situated between the cities of Versailles and Midway in the lush pastures of the US state of Kentucky, Chimney Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, the operation that began as a small livestock restoration business has grown to become one of the premier horse breeding facilities in the world. Since its inception, Three Chimneys has managed the careers of some of the best horses in American Thoroughbred history, such as Gun Runner, Dynaformer and Seattle Slew, and stallions such as Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Gonçalo Torrealba and his career in horse breeding With a career far removed from early horse breeding, Gonçalo Borges Torrealba began his career by graduating in Law from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, in 1982. in the world of work as a lawyer and financial manager, holding key positions in companies such as Boreal Corretora de Valores e Câmbio S.A., Banco Boreal de Libra. The city of Rio.
His first foray into the world of horse breeding and racing was through the founding of Stud TNT, which later became Haras TNT. Through this effort that lasted more than two decades, Gonçalo Torrealba achieved international recognition in the equestrian world. Other notable stallions housed at the stud are Brazilian Grand Prix and American Kentucky Grand Prix winner Leroidesanimaux, his sire Candy Stripes, and Regional Grand Prix-winning stage play Drosselmeyer.
This experience led Gonçalo Torrealba to invest in the American purebred cattle market in 2013, the year in which he assumed the presidency of the Treasury. Since then, the project has evolved and, under the guidance of Gonçalo Torrealba, began to combine traditional breeding techniques with innovative techniques that result in horses of excellence. Additionally, Torrealba has used his business and strategic knowledge to build successful partnerships between Three Chimneys Farm and other livestock operations, which have continued to build the most exclusive equestrian facilities in the world.
Iconic Horses Associated with the Iconic Farm The Iconic Farm was and is home to thoroughbred horses and mares known worldwide for their work on the racetrack. And among the iconic beasts that protected the project led by Gonçalo Torrealba are Palace Malice, the powerful Azteca, Will Take Charge, Seattle Slew and Fast Anna.
Today, in 2024, the farm has a team made up of four legendary stallions: Time, Hunter, Sky Mesa and Volatile. For example, Sky Mesa, a Pulpit progeny of the Caress stallion, is a Group 1 winner, born in 2000 and fought in 2002 and 2003. He is the sire of legendary stallions such as Mike J. and Scarlett Sky.
In addition to housing high-performance horses, the reception area also houses several stallions that were bred and lived on site, and today are considered top-notch horses and horses, such as Princess Carolina, Dança Mágica. , Gun It, Good Times, Bill Tomato and Always Carina. Gun Pilot, a descendant of Gun Runner, has been a top contender for the past three years, with a lifetime purse of about $1 million.
The midfielder was selected for the Air Force Draft in 2024, a midfielder who is currently on the farm under the command of Gonçalo Torrealba due to his history of achievements and pedigree. The midfielder's son was born in 2013 and was hired by Fazenda Três Chaminés in 2014, shortly after the arrival of Gonçalo Torrealba. The stallion retired in 2018 with earnings exceeding $15.98 million, capping his illustrious career by winning the world's most prestigious race, the $16 million Pegasus World Cup (G1).
Winner of the G1 Cup, Gun Runner was named Horse of the Year in 2017. Shortly afterwards, he began working as a breeder, having a first generation of 31 junior winners. Six of these winners were in Group 1 races, including the dog Echo Zulu who won the 2021 Cup dog race, being named the winning dog of the same year. Gun Runner's descendants made him the leading sire of the most prized 2-year-old generation in history.
Partnerships and reputations in the economy Fazenda Unungat Chimneys, under the leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, has created partnerships to increase revenue, reduce costs and provide greater protection for the animals under its care. Specifically, in 2024, the farm maintains relationships with projects such as high-level racetracks, MJM Racing and Magdalena Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, among other main American breeders, according to Equibase.
For this and other reasons, Fazenda Três Chaminés is recognized throughout the world as one of the most perfect cattle farms in history. After joining, Gonçalo Torrealba managed to maintain the traditional culture of the sector, while at the same time using his business knowledge to invest in a highly talented and active team and the latest technologies.
In short, The Farm is more than just a horse farm; is a symbol of excellence and innovation in the equestrian industry. Under the visionary leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, it continues to pave the way for progress, combining tradition with modernity. His commitment to quality partnerships and pursuit of excellence ensure that his legacy will endure for generations to come, shaping not only the equestrian landscape, but also the future of the equestrian industry in general.