Multiple graded stakes winner and undefeated juvenile Run Away and Hide has been retired and will stand the 2009 breeding season at Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Ky. for a fee of $7,500.

A top juvenile of 2008, Run Away and Hide was perfect in three starts including wins in the Saratoga Special S. (G2) and Kentucky S. (G3). In his final start in the Saratoga Special, he pulled away from Nashua (G3) winner Break Water Edison in the stretch to win decisively in 1:15.67 for 6 ½ furlongs.

Run Away and Hide broke his maiden at first asking at Keeneland in April, breaking from post No. 11 in the 4 ½-furlong event and drawing off by 3 ¼ lengths over Sapling (G3) winner and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile performer Silent Valor. He returned 13 days later to win the Kentucky S. at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Derby week stakes program, drawing off by 2 ½ lengths. 

“He was very special, but untapped. He hadn’t gotten warmed up to what his potential was,” said leading juvenile trainer Ronny Werner. “At that stage of his career, he was the best 2-year-old I’ve ever had. He’s the whole package: very intelligent, a great athlete, with push-button speed.”

A son of City Zip out of the Runaway Groom mare Jilted, Run Away and Hide retires with earnings of $224,684. He becomes the third new stallion to join the ranks of the expanded 2009 roster at Darby Dan, which also includes new arrival Magna Graduate.