by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Freehold, NJ — Hypnotic Blue Chip has the honor of being called a multiple-stakes-winner for his work at the races and can add another title for his duty away from the track: Dad.

Photo courtesy of Sheri Larson McDermott

The first foal by Hypnotic Blue Chip is also the first foal out of Natalie.

Kevin McDermott, who trained Hypnotic Blue Chip for owner Francis Azur, said the stallion’s first foal — a filly out of the mare Natalie — was born at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday (March 20) at Azur’s farm in western Pennsylvania.

“He was there holding her hoof,” McDermott said, laughing, noting that Hypnotic Blue Chip was at the farm.

Hypnotic Blue Chip is a son of Art Major out of the mare A Traceofmagic. He has won 31 of 115 races and earned $1.73 million lifetime. His most recent start was in January at Dover Downs.

Among his careers wins are the 2009 Empire Breeders Classic, 2010 Battle of Lake Erie and 2011 Spring Pacing Championship. His 1:47.2 triumph in his division of the U.S. Pacing Championship at the Meadowlands in 2010 set the world record for fastest race mile by a 4-year-old horse.

This also is the first foal for Natalie, who earned $504,461 during a five-year career and had a mark of 1:51.3, established as a 3-year-old at Harrah’s Chester.