Grabill, IN – Ponda Warrior (1:48, $788,595), a Dan Patch and Indiana Super Final winner, will stand stud in Indiana in 2026 at Chapel Ridge Farm of Grabill, Ind.
The son of dominant Indiana sire Rockin Image and multiple stakes winning American Ideal mare Sweetnsinful is widely known for his thrilling victory in the 2023 Dan Patch at Hoosier Park, where he brushed from off the pace to win in his lifetime mark of 1:48 from the 11-hole with a last quarter of :25.4 to tackle aged pacing giants like Charlie May, Abuckabett Hanover, Little Rocket Man, and Lou’s Pearlman.
Always known for his prolific speed and desire in the stretch, Ponda Warrior recorded a last quarter in :26.1 or faster in 24 of his 56 starts spaced across every racing season of his five-year career.
A stakes winner at 2, 3, and 4, he was part of the one of the deepest and fastest Indiana pacing divisions in recent memory. He recorded stakes victories in multiple divisions of the Indiana Sire Stakes as well as the Indiana Super Final, Dan Patch, Star Destroyer, and Thanksgiving Classic. He also recorded stakes placings in the Hoosier Park Pacing Derby, Hoosier Cup, Monument Circle, Elevation, and two Breeders Crown eliminations.
Ponda Warrior is owned by Finkelberg Racing, Jay Hochstetler, and South of the Tracks Racing LLC. He was trained by Hochstetler his whole career and driven by Kyle Wilfong for nearly his entire aged career.
“Ponda Warrior is by far the smartest, fastest, and gutsiest horses I may ever have the pleasure of being involved with. He wore the same blind bridle and bit his entire career. He never once needed an ear hood on the racetrack and genuinely loved every second of his work. He is a gorgeous horse with immense talent that I am so excited to see him pass on to the next generation,” said Hochstetler.
“Ponda Warrior is a true champion in every sense of the word. He gave me the biggest thrill of my career winning the Dan Patch in stunning fashion with his wicked closing kick. No matter the circumstance he gave you everything and I can’t wait to see him pass his class, heart, and toughness on to his offspring,” said Wilfong.
Ponda Warrior will stand for an introductory fee of $3,000. For more information, please contact Jay Hochstetler at 708-921-1583 or Jayhoch4@gmail.com.