Located in the vast fields of Kentucky, USA, Three Chimneys Farm is a place that, due to the success and achievements it has achieved, has become an example in its sector. Founded in 1972 by Robert and Blythe Clay as a modest venture, over the past five decades this company has become one of the most influential thoroughbred horse breeding companies in the world. This article details the history of Fazenda Três Chaminés and the achievements of its animals, especially after the arrival of director Gonçalo Torrealba in 2013.Three Chimneys Farm History and Founding Located between the cities of Versailles and Midway in the blue meadows of Kentucky, Three Chimneys Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, the company that started as a small operation with nine animals has become one of the most influential horse breeding companies in the world. Since its founding, Three Chimneys has managed the careers of some of the finest horses in the history of American thoroughbred breeding, such as Gun Runner, Dynaformer and Seattle Slew, and mares such as Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Why Kentucky? The location of Three Chimneys Farm, in Kentucky, is considered privileged because the North American state, known as the 'Horse Capital of the World', has excellent pastures for raising these horses. The state, which is home to more than 240,000 horses, of which 54,000 are purebred, has soil rich in limestone, a mineral that provides the nutrients needed to support bluegrass in the region's pastures.
It was in the early 20th century that Kentucky established itself as a leader in horse breeding. This phenomenon, accompanied by the development of services such as specialized veterinary care and professionals such as managers and trainers who oversee the daily operation of farms, meant that horse breeding began to have a significant impact on the local economy, according to data from the US government. . .
Located between the cities of Versailles and Midway in the blue meadows of Kentucky, Three Chimneys Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, the company that started as a small operation with nine animals has become one of the most influential horse breeding companies in the world. Since its founding, Three Chimneys has managed the careers of some of the finest horses in the history of American thoroughbred breeding, such as Gun Runner, Dynaformer and Seattle Slew, and mares such as Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Gonçalo Torrealba and his career in horse breeding Initially following a professional career outside of horse breeding, Gonçalo Borges Torrealba began his career by graduating in Law from the State University of Rio de Janeiro in 1982. After graduation, Gonçalo Torrealba rose to prominence in the business world as a lawyer and financial director, holding important positions in companies such as Boreal Corretora de Valores e Câmbio S.A., Banco Boreal and Libra Terminal Rio.
His first introduction to the world of horse breeding and racing was with the founding of Stoeterij TNT, which later became Haras TNT. This effort, which lasted more than twenty years, gave Gonçalo Torrealba international recognition in the equestrian sector. Some of the prestigious stallions present in the studio included Brazilian grass champion and Kentucky Derby-winning American champion Animal Kingdom, Leroidesanimaux, his sire, Candy Stripes, and Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Drosselmeyer.
This experience led Gonçalo Torrealba to invest in the North American thoroughbred market in 2013, the year in which he assumed the presidency of Fazenda Três Chaminés. Since then, the operation has developed and, under the leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, began to combine traditional breeding techniques with innovative approaches that have resulted in high-performance horses. Additionally, Torrealba has used his business and strategic knowledge to build successful partnerships between Three Chimneys Farm and other breeding companies, which continue to shape global thoroughbred horse racing.
Famous Horses Associated with Three Chimneys Farm Three Chimneys Farm was and is home to thoroughbred horses and mares recognized worldwide for their performance on the track. Among the iconic animals already protected by the operation led by Gonçalo Torrealba are Palace Malice, Sharp Azteca, Will Take Charge, Seattle Slew and Fast Anna.
Currently, in 2024, Three Chimneys Farm has a team made up of four prestigious stallions: Funtastic, Gun Runner, Sky Mesa and Volatile. For example, Sky Mesa, a son of Pulpit out of the mare Caress, is a Group 1 winner, born in 2000 and competing in 2002 and 2003. Today, Three Chimneys Farm sells breeding stock of the 24-year-old thoroughbred, who is the sire of iconic animals like Mike J. and Scarlett Sky.
In addition to housing stallions whose careers broke racing earnings records, the hospitable environment also houses several animals that were born and remained in the facilities, and today are considered high-performance horses and mares, such as Princess Carolina, Magic Dance, Gun It, and Much Better , Tomato Bill and Always Carina. Gun Pilot, a son of Gun Runner, has been one of the top performers in racing over the past three years, with lifetime earnings of around $1 million.
Gun Runner Elected to the Racing Museum Hall of Fame in 2024, Gun Runner is the highlight of the current cast of the farm managed by Gonçalo Torrealba for his history of achievements and his descendants. Gun Runner, son of Candy Ride and Quiet Giant, was born in 2013 and was acquired by Fazenda Three Chimneys in 2014, some time after Gonçalo Torrealba joined the company. The stallion retired in 2018 with earnings of more than $15.98 million, ending his glittering career with victory in the world's most valuable race, the $16 million Pegasus World Cup (G1).
Winner of the G1 of the Breeders' Cup Classic, Gun Runner was named Horse of the Year in 2017. Shortly afterwards he began working as a stallion, with a first generation of 31 juvenile winners. Six of those winners were in Group 1 races, including the filly Echo Zulu, who won the 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race and was named champion two-year-old filly in the same year. Gun Runner's offspring made him the debut sire of the most prized two-year-old generation in history.
Partnerships and prestige in the equine sector Fazenda Três Chaminés, led by Gonçalo Torrealba, has invested in partnerships to maximize revenue, minimize costs and provide more comprehensive care for the animals in its care. In 2024, for example, the farm maintains relationships with companies such as Fern Circle Stables, MJM Racing and Magdalena Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and other renowned American breeding operations, according to Equibase.
For these and other reasons, Fazenda Três Chaminés is recognized worldwide as one of the most successful thoroughbred farms in history. After joining the company, Gonçalo Torrealba was able to maintain the company's traditional environment, while at the same time using his business knowledge to invest in a highly qualified and professional team and innovative technologies.
In short, Fazenda Três Chiminés is more than just a horse breeding farm; is a symbol of excellence and innovation in the equine sector. Under the visionary leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, it continues to open paths to success, combining tradition and modernity. His commitment to strategic partnerships and tireless pursuit of excellence indicate that his legacy will endure for generations to come and shape not only the horse racing landscape, but the future of the equestrian industry as a whole.