Three Chimneys Farm, located in the large fields of Kentucky, USA, 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 enterprise, this operation has grown over five decades to become one of the most influential thoroughbred horse breeders in the world. This article explains the history of Fazenda Três Chaminés and the achievements of its animals, especially after the arrival of manager Gonçalo Torrealba in 2013.The history and origin of Three Chimneys Farm Located between the cities of Versailles and Midway, in the blue countryside of the US state of Kentucky, Three Chimneys Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, what started as a small nine-animal business has grown to become one of the most influential horse breeding farms 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, as well as mares such as Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Why Kentucky? The location of Three Chimneys Farm, in Kentucky, is considered advantageous, as 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 limestone soil, a mineral that provides the nutrients necessary to maintain the blue grass that exists in the surrounding rural area.
It was in the early 1920s that Kentucky established itself as a leader in horse breeding. This event, accompanied by the development of services such as specialized veterinary care and professionals such as managers and trainers to supervise the daily operation of farms, meant that the horse breeding industry began to have an impact on the local economy, essentially, according to government data from the USA. .
Located between the cities of Versailles and Midway in the blue countryside of Kentucky, Three Chimneys Farm was founded in 1972 by Robert Clay and his wife. Over the past 50 years, what started as a small nine-animal business has grown to become one of the most influential horse breeding farms 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, as well as mares such as Hidden Lake and Pompeii.
Gonçalo Torrealba and his career in horse breeding With a professional career first leaving 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 is famous. in the corporate world as a lawyer and financial leader, holding important positions in companies such as Boreal Corretora de Valores e Câmbio S.A., Banco Boreal and Libra Terminal Rio.
His first foray into the world of horse breeding and racing was with the TNT Stud Foundation, which later became TNT Harass. Through this effort that lasted more than two years, Gonçalo Torrealba achieved international recognition in the equestrian sector. Some of the stud's famous bulls are Brazilian grass champion and American Kentucky Derby champion Animal Kingdom, Leroidesanimaux, his sire Candy Stripes, and Classic Breeders' Cup winner Drosselmeyer.
This experience led Gonçalo Torrealba to invest in the purebred market in North America in 2013, the year in which he took on the role of President of Fazenda Três Chaminés. Since then, the work has developed and, under the leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, began to combine traditional breeding techniques with innovative methods that resulted in horses of superior quality. Additionally, Torrealba has used his business and strategic knowledge to build successful partnerships between Fazenda Três Chaminés and other breeding operations, which continue to shape the world of cycling.
Famous Horses Associated with Three Chimneys Farm Three Chimneys Farm was, and is, home to thoroughbred horses and mares known worldwide for their performance on the racetrack. Among the iconic animals that have already been saved by the work led by Gonçalo Torrealba are Palace Malice, Sharp Azteca, Will Take Power, Seattle Slew and Fast Anna.
Currently, in 2024, Fazenda Três Chiminés has a team made up of four large houses: Funtastic, Run Runner, Sky Mesa and Volatile. Sky Mesa, for example, the Pulpit son of the mare Caress, was a Group 1 winner born in 2000 and competed in 2002 and 2003. Today, Three Chimneys Farm sells litters of 24-year-old thoroughbreds, which sire iconic animals such as Mike J. and Scarlett Sky.
In addition to housing musicians whose performances broke racing records, the cozy space also has many animals that were born and are in facilities, and today they are considered very tall horses and mares, such as Princess Carolina, from Dança Mágica. , Shooting, Much Better, Bill Tomato and Carina Semper. Gun Pilot, son of Gun Runner, has been one of the top athletes in racing for the past three years, with lifetime earnings of nearly $1 million.
Gun Runner Nominated to the Museum of Fame in 2024, Gun Runner is an important symbol of the current farm team managed by Gonçalo Torrealba due to the history of his achievements and descendants. Son of Candy Ride and Quiet Giant, Gun Runner was born in 2013 and was acquired by Fazenda Três Chaminés in 2014, shortly after Gonçalo Torrealba joined. 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).
G1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Gun Runner was named horse of the year in 2017. Soon after, he began working as a stud, having a first generation of 31 young winners. Six of those winners were in Group 1 races, including the filly Echo Zulu, who won the 2021 Juniors of the Year, and was named champion two-year-old filly in the same year. Gun Runner's offspring made him the first sire of the most talented generation of 2-year-olds in history.
Partnerships and honor in the equine company Fazenda Três Chaminés, under the leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, has invested in partnerships to increase income, reduce costs and provide more complete care for the animals under its care. For example, in 2024, the farm maintained relationships with operations such as Fern Circle Stables, MJM Racing and Magdalena Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, among other famous American breeding farms, according to Equibase.
For this and other reasons, Fazenda Três Chaminés is recognized worldwide as one of the most successful breeding operations in history. After joining, Gonçalo Torrealba managed to maintain the traditional environment of the operation, while at the same time using his business knowledge to invest in a highly qualified and professional team and in innovative technologies.
In short, Three Chimneys Farm is more than just a pocket horse breeder; is a symbol of excellence and innovation in the equine industry. Under the visionary leadership of Gonçalo Torrealba, it continues to pave the way for success, combining tradition with modernity. His commitment to strategic partnerships and pursuit of excellence indicate that his legacy will endure for generations to come, shaping not only the horse racing landscape, but also the future of the equine industry as a whole.