Charlottesville, VA — The owners of Powerplay Racing, Thomas and Cheryl (Matney) Houck, along with CT Stables, owned by Charles and Vanessa Taylor, are excited by the opportunity to deliver a world champion sire Dali p,3,1:48.2f ($1,419,464) to Virginia.

Cheryl and Charles were both born and raised in the great state of Virginia, so to contribute to the growth of the VHHA program is near and dear to their heart.

“Horses and specifically Standardbreds are a way of life for our family. My grandpa, Daniel Matney, took care of 13 children raising and selling Standardbreds. My father, Hobert Matney, would buy horses from the auctions and break them under saddle to race in Virginia. My husband and I represent a fourth generation of Standardbred owners. The ultimate dream for us would be to preserve the family legacy and pass on the opportunity for our kids and grandchildren to participate in this great community,” said Cheryl (Matney) Houck.

Charles Taylor echoed a similar note: “I grew up at the tracks. As long as I can remember my dad would take me to nearby Maryland track Rosecroft to watch the races since we did not have it in Virginia. If you had told me back then that one day we would be afforded the opportunity to own the great Standardbreds that we have, I would have told you not a chance. Thankfully, back in 2007 my wife Vanessa suggested I follow my dream and purchase my first horse. Fast forward to now, having the opportunity to stand a world class stallion in the state which I was raised is a dream come true. We would like to thank the Virginia Harness Horse Association for the years of challenging work to get the program where it is. And the work it took over the last few months for us to get this done. We look forward to helping and supporting however we can.”

Dali, a pacing stallion by Real Artist-Armbro Tea, will be standing his first season in Virginia. He is a world champion and proven producer with winners of over $14 million in progeny earnings.

At 2, he won the Woodrow Wilson, Niatross, International Stallion Stakes, and an elimination of the Governor’s Cup at Woodbine. He finished second in the Bluegrass Stakes, elimination Metro Stakes, and a leg of the Pennsylvania Sires Stakes at The Meadows.

At 3, he won the elimination and final of the Matron Stakes, Burlington Pace, and elimination of the Progress Pace at Dover. He was second in the Hoosier Cup and elimination of the North America Cup. He finished third in the Battle Of Brandywine Pace, Tattersalls Pace, Bluegrass Stakes, and elimination of the Adios.

Dali won his first lifetime start at the age of two in 1:51.3.

Dali has 44 progeny that have earnings over $100,000, 10 that have earned over $300,000 with two earning over $500,000. His starters average an impressive $58,000 in career earnings. Dali has 81 progeny, or 33 percent, that have won in 1:55 or better, 12 have eclipsed 1:51 and three in sub 1:50.

Contact us to book today.

Website: www.standingstallions.com
Email: contact@standingstallions.com
Phone: 612.695.0055 Charles Taylor
or
Stony Ridge Farm/Andy Kocher
1925 Stony Point Road
Charlottesville Va, 22911
Phone: 205.523.3088 Andy Kocher