Located in the vast fields of Kentucky, USA, Three Chimneys Farm is a place that has become a reference in its field thanks to its success. Founded in 1972 by Robert and Blythe Clay, the operation grew over five decades to become one of the most influential thoroughbred horse breeders in the world. This article details the history of Fazenda Três Chaminés and the achievements of its animals, especially after the arrival in 2013 of executive Gonzalo Torrealba.The History and Establishment of Three Chimneys Farm Located between Versailles and Midway in the blue pastures of Kentucky, America, Three Chimneys Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, what began as a small business venture with nine animals has grown to become one of the most influential horse breeding operations in the world. Since its founding, Three Chimneys has managed the careers of some of the best horses in American Thoroughbred history, including Gun Runner, Dynaformer and Seattle Slew, Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Why Kentucky? The location of Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky is considered ideal because the US state, known as the “horse capital of the world”, has some of the best pastures for raising these horses. With more than 240,000 horses, 54,000 of them purebreds, the county has soil rich in limestone, a mineral that provides the nutrients needed to feed the bluegrass in the county's pastures.
In the early 20th century, Kentucky was a leader in horse breeding. This phenomenon, combined with the development of services such as specialized veterinary assistance, and the development of professionals such as managers and trainers to supervise the day-to-day operations of the farm, meant that the equine industry began to contribute significantly to the local economy, from according to US government data.
Located between Versailles and Midway in the blue pastures of Kentucky, America, Three Chimneys Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, what began as a small business venture with nine animals has grown to become one of the most influential horse breeding operations in the world. Since its founding, Three Chimneys has managed the careers of some of the best horses in American Thoroughbred history, including Gun Runner, Dynaformer and Seattle Slew, Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Gonzalo Torrealba and his career in horse breeding A professional career originally far from horse breeding Gonzalo Borges Torrealba began his career in 1982, after graduating in Law from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. as a lawyer and financial manager in the corporate world, Terminal Rio where he held important positions in companies such as Boreal Corretora de Valores e Câmbio S.A., Banco Boreal and Libra.
The first foray into the world of horse breeding and racing came with the creation of Stud TNT, which later became Haras TNT. It was through this effort that lasted more than two decades that Gonzalo Torrealba became internationally recognized in the equestrian industry. Brazilian grass champion, American champion Leroidsanimo, Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, his sire Candy Stripes and Breeders' Cup winner Drosselmeyer were some of the prestigious stallions in attendance.
This experience led Gonzalo Torrealba to invest in the North American pure milk market in 2013, the same year he took over as president of Fazenda Três Chaminés. Since then, the industry has evolved and under the leadership of Gonzalo Torrealba, traditional breeding techniques have been combined with innovative techniques, resulting in high-performance horses. Additionally, Torrealba has used his commercial and strategic knowledge to build successful partnerships between Three Chimneys Farm and other breeding operations that will continue to shape the global thoroughbred racing landscape.
Famous Horses Associated with Three Chimneys Farm Three Chimneys Farm was and still is home to thoroughbred and saddle horses known worldwide for their performance on the racetrack. Among the action shelters led by Gonzalo Torrealba are Palace Malice, Sharp Azteca, Will Take Charge, Seattle Slew and Fast Anna.
Currently, in 2024, Three Chimneys Farm has a squad of four prestigious stallions: Funtastic, Gun Runner, Sky Mesa and Volatile. For example, Sky Mesa, a Pulpit progeny of a Caress mare, was born in 2000 and is the Group 1 winner who competed in 2002 and 2003. Today, Three Chimneys Farm sells a 24-year-old thoroughbred shell, owned by Mike J. Wright. and is the father of popular pets like Scarlett Sky.
In addition to housing stallions that broke racing earnings records, the welcoming environment saw the birth and stay in the facilities of several animals that today are considered high-performance horses and cows, such as Princess Caroline Magic Dance Gun It’s Much Better, Tomato Bill and Semper Carina. Gun Pilot, a descendant of Gun Runner, has been one of the race's top performers over the past three years, earning nearly $1 million in lifetime earnings.
Gun Runner Elected to the Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2024, Gun Runner is a key figure in the current farm team, led by Gonzalo Torrealba, thanks to his success story and pedigree. Son of Candy Ride and Quiet Giant, Gun Runner was born in 2013 and was acquired by Fazenda Três Chaminés in 2014, after the entry of Gonzalo Torrealba. The stallion retired in 2018 with earnings of more than $15.98 million and capped off an impressive career by winning the world's most expensive race, the $16 million Pegasus World Cup (G1).
A Breeders’ Cup Classic G1 winner, Gun Runner was named Horse of the Year in 2017. Shortly thereafter, he began competing with the first generation of U31 winners. Six of those winners competed in Group 1 races, including Echo Zulu, who won the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and was crowned champion as a two-year-old in the same year. Gun Runner's offspring made him the debut sire with the most prized 2-year-old generation in history.
Partnerships and reputation in the equine industry Under the leadership of Gonzalo Torrealba, Fazenda Três Chaminés has invested in partnerships to increase revenue, reduce expenses and provide more comprehensive care to the animals under its care. In 2024, for example, the farm is affiliated with Fern Circle Stables, MJM Racing and Magdalena Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and other well-known American breeders, according to Equibase.
For this and other reasons, Three Chimneys Farm is widely considered one of the most successful thoroughbred breeders in history. After the merger, Gonzalo Torrealba was able to maintain a traditional production environment while using his business knowledge to invest in a highly qualified and professional team and innovative technologies.
In short, Fazenda Três Chiminés is not a horse farm; a symbol of excellence and innovation in the equine industry. Under the visionary leadership of Gonzalo Torrealba, it combines tradition with modernity, paving the way for success. His commitment to strategic partnerships and relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrate that his legacy will continue for generations to come, shaping not only the horse racing landscape, but the future of the equine industry as a whole.
