Cross Traffic's New Home: A Strategic Move for O'Sullivan Farms
A Bold Move for a Proven Stallion
When John Funkhouser, owner of O'Sullivan Farms, learned about the availability of Cross Traffic, a grade 1-winning son of Unbridled's Song, he saw an opportunity to enhance his breeding program. Cross Traffic's proven track record as a stallion that produces grade 1 winners was a significant draw for Funkhouser, who recognized the potential for quality and versatility in the Mid-Atlantic breeding market.
The Mid-Atlantic Market's Need for Versatility
Funkhouser's belief in Cross Traffic's value is rooted in the stallion's ability to produce big horses with versatility. He highlights Cross Traffic's success in producing runners that have excelled on turf, making him an ideal choice for the Mid-Atlantic region, which he believes needs a stallion of this caliber.
Virginia's Expanding State- Bred Program
Funkhouser also saw an opportunity to leverage Virginia's expanding state-bred program. He acknowledges the state's efforts in promoting its breeding program, with expanding meets and rising purses, making it an attractive location for Cross Traffic.
Cross Traffic's Impressive Record
Since entering stud at Spendthrift Farm in 2015, Cross Traffic has sired an impressive 270 winners, including 19 black-type winners. His top performers include Jaywalk, the 2018 champion 2-year-old filly, and Defining Purpose, the Ashland Stakes (G1) winner. Ny Traffic, who finished runner-up in the 2020 Haskell Stakes (G1), and Neecie Marie, a multiple turf graded stakes winner and millionaire, further showcase Cross Traffic's versatility and success.
A Strategic Relocation
Funkhouser purchased Cross Traffic with the help of a syndicate and will stand him at Mt. Airy Farm in Millwood, Virginia, approximately a half-hour drive from O'Sullivan Farms. This move is strategic, as Mt. Airy is adjacent to a breaking and training farm owned by Cliff and Laura Robbins, who oversee the early training for Funkhouser's yearlings and 2-year-olds. The Robbins' farm is not set up for boarding mares, so they were keeping a few horses at Mt. Airy, making it a convenient choice for Cross Traffic.
Bridget Overcash's Enthusiasm
Bridget Overcash, the owner of Mt. Airy Farm, was initially hesitant to stand a Thoroughbred stallion. However, after Funkhouser gave her a tour of O'Sullivan Farms and introduced her to his roster of sires, she was convinced. Overcash's experience with horses and Funkhouser's presentation played a significant role in her decision.
The Benefits of Standing in Virginia
Funkhouser highlights the advantages of standing a stallion in Virginia, including the availability of lucrative purses for runners that are Virginia-sired and Virginia-bred, in addition to stallion awards. He emphasizes the potential for significant earnings through Virginia-restricted races, which are written often, making it an attractive opportunity.
Cross Traffic's Future in Virginia
Funkhouser is confident that Cross Traffic will attract around 50 mares next year, with a stud fee of $4,000 and lifetime breeding rights available for $5,000. He also honors any lifetime breeding rights sold by Spendthrift early in Cross Traffic's career through its 'Share the Upside' program. With Mt. Airy new to the stallion game, Funkhouser will handle every breeding and board mares at his farm that are booked to Cross Traffic, ensuring a smooth and efficient operation.
A Regional Market Opportunity
Funkhouser is optimistic about Cross Traffic's stud career in a regional market where breeders are primarily breed-to-race operations. He believes that Cross Traffic's ability to produce runners and his own expertise will help re-energize the stallion's career, making it an exciting time for breeders in the area.
