Kentucky Bear (Mr. Greeley-Tate by Afleet)
By G.S. Thompson
A Grade 1-placed son of successful sire Mr. Greeley, Kentucky Bear brings both pedigree power and proven sire success to Manitoba, where he continues to make a significant impact on the local breeding program.
Though lightly raced, Kentucky Bear showed significant talent on the track, earning $100,200 highlighted by a third-place finish in the prestigious Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. His strong performance in graded stakes company demonstrated his ability to compete at racing’s highest level.
From 13 crops to race, Kentucky Bear has established himself as a consistent regional sire, with 91 starters and 59 winners from 127 foals, achieving a strong 46% winner-to-foal ratio. His progeny have earned over $4.3 million, averaging nearly $48,000 per starter.
Kentucky Bear’s proven sire record was further showcased in 2024 through his talented Manitoba-bred son No Show No Call, who was the leading earner at Assiniboia Downs with US $77,137. No Show No Call won both the Frank Arnason Memorial Sire Stakes and the J.W. Sifton Stakes during a stellar campaign that included six victories.
Other notable performers by Kentucky Bear include his all-time leading earner R U Watchingbud ($337,582), who won both the Queenston and New Providence Stakes at Woodbine, Double Bear, winner of the Canadian Derby (G3), and Bear’s Pride, who captured the Victoriana Stakes.
Kentucky Bear’s progeny have shown versatility across all surfaces and distances, with successful runners on dirt, synthetic, and turf, and a proven ability to carry their speed over a route of ground.
Kentucky Bear will be standing at Kelly Halliday’s farm east of Yorkton, Saskatchewan in 2025. For breeding inquiries and bookings contact Cam Ziprick at (204) 821-5456.