Charles Fipke gives small breeders relief by waiving fees for seven stallions

Owner and breeder Charles Fipke will be waiving the 2020 breeding fees on all his stallions in order to provide some relief to small breeders who could be particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to longtime consultant Sid Fernando.

"What can I say? Small breeders will especially be affected by the economic conditions, and they are the backbone of this industry," Fipke said in statement.

"None of my stallions stand for more than $5,000, and they are primarily supported by small breeders. Because I own my stallions outright and don't have shareholder responsibilities, I am able to do this, with the support of the farms where they stand.

"I'm passionate about this game and will continue to support my stallions, and I'd like to show my appreciation for outside breeders who do so as well in these trying times."

Fipke stands seven stallions in the US and Canada. At Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky he stands Bee Jersey ($5,000), Tale Of Ekati ($5,000), and Tale Of Verve ($2,000).

He also stands Forever D'Oro ($2,000) at Hidden Springs Farm in Indiana, Jersey Town ($3,000) at Daehling Ranch in California, and Danish Dynaformer (CA$2,500) and Perfect Timber (CA$2,500) at Colebrook Farms Stallion Station in Ontario, Canada.

Ryan Norton, stallion director at Darby Dan, said Fipke contacted farm owner John Phillips over the weekend about his plan.

"For everyone who has a contract, he told us he is waiving the fees and anyone who wants to breed to them this year will get a complimentary season," he said. "It's very generous, and we think it's a great idea. [He] is trying to think outside the box and should be commended for trying to do the right thing and help breeders."

Norton said Bee Jersey, who entered stud in 2019, has a book of around 60 mares and that Tale Of Ekati and Tale Of Verve, as of April 13, where expected to each cover around 30 mares.

"Keep in mind that Mr Fipke's stallions are not syndicated and he doesn't have shareholder concerns, so this gesture was easier for him to do than it would be for others," said Fernando on Twitter. "However, his gesture is outstanding, and I'm proud to call him a client and friend."

Fipke is a candidate for induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame this year. He is a successful Canadian geologist and prospector who was involved in the discovery of the Ekati Diamond Mine in the Northwest Territories. He has been involved in the Canadian thoroughbred industry for close to 40 years.

Among his accomplishments, the Alberta native bred and owned Perfect Soul, the Sovereign Award-winning champion male turf horse in 2003 and now a successful sire; Not Bourbon, the Sovereign Award-winning champion three-year-old male of 2008 and winner of that year's Queen's Plate; and Impossible Time, the Sovereign Award-winning champion older female of 2010.

Fipke has bred and owned a number of other successful racehorses including Perfect Shirl, winner of the 2011 Emirates Airline Breeder's Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

He also raced 2017 Eclipse champion older dirt female Forever Unbridled and the champion's Grade 1-winning full sister Unbridled Forever.

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