LEXINGTON, Ky. — October 6, 2026 — Grade 1 winner Baeza, one of the most consistent top-level performers of his generation, has been retired from racing and will begin his stallion career at Spendthrift Farm in 2027.
Campaigned by Lee and Susan Searing’s C R K Stable in partnership with breeder Robert Clay’s Grandview Equine, Baeza retires with earnings of more than $2.3 million and an impressive record of 10 top-three finishes from 13 career starts.
The son of McKinzie captured his signature victory in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) and earned six additional Grade 1 placings while competing almost exclusively against elite company throughout his career. Among the Grade 1 winners he finished ahead of were Sovereignty, Magnitude, White Abarrio and Citizen Bull.
Baeza established himself among the leading 3-year-olds of his crop with a runner-up finish in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) before placing in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1).
He closed his sophomore campaign in emphatic fashion, delivering a commanding victory in the Pennsylvania Derby and earning a 105 Beyer Speed Figure.
“Baeza gave us so many great moments, but his run in the Kentucky Derby is something we’ll never forget,” said owner Lee Searing. “To watch him come charging down the stretch on the biggest stage in our sport was an incredible thrill. He proved that day that he belonged with the very best of his generation, and he continued to show us that throughout his career.”
Searing added that the ownership group is looking forward to supporting Baeza’s next chapter.
“We’re incredibly proud of everything he accomplished on the racetrack and we look forward to supporting his stud career with our mares.”
Top-Level Form Continued at Four
Returning to competition as a 4-year-old, Baeza continued to hold his own against many of the nation’s leading older horses.
He added Grade 1 placings in the Stephen Foster Stakes, where he produced a career-best 112 Beyer Speed Figure, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup, further establishing his reputation for consistency at the sport’s highest level.
Baeza retires sound following a career in which he repeatedly competed against some of the strongest horses in North America.
Elite Pedigree Adds to Stallion Appeal
Beyond his racetrack accomplishments, Baeza will enter stud with one of the most attractive pedigrees available to breeders.
A $1.2 million Keeneland September yearling, Baeza is out of Broodmare of the Year Puca, making him her third Grade 1-winning son.
His combination of race record, physical presence and pedigree made him a natural addition to the Spendthrift stallion roster.
“Baeza is a rare combination of talent, pedigree, and looks,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift Farm COO and General Manager. “We are excited to show him to breeders – they are going to love what they see.”
Baeza will stand his introductory season at Spendthrift Farm in 2027 for $25,000 S&N and will be available for inspection in the coming weeks.
After proving himself against elite competition from the Triple Crown trail through the older-horse division, Baeza now begins the next stage of his career with the pedigree and performance credentials to make him an intriguing addition to the 2027 stallion class.
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