Paladin

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Paladin wins the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct.

Owner

Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter M. Brant, Brook T. Smith & Summer Wind Equine LLC (Jane Lyon)

Trainer

Chad C. Brown

Jockey

Gaffalione, Tyler

Breeder

Summer Wind Equine LLC

Earnings

$437,500

Color

Chestnut

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Overview

PALADIN -- A KENTUCKY DERBY HORSE TO WATCH

Paladin is a beautiful chestnut-colored colt (a young male horse) who was born in Kentucky on February 27, 2023. He's special because he's never lost a race—he's won all three times he's run!

Who Are His Parents?

Paladin's father is Gun Runner, who was one of the best racehorses in America. Gun Runner won the biggest race for older horses and was named Horse of the Year. His mother is Secret Sigh, whose father is a famous horse named Tapit. This family tree is like having superstar athletes for parents and grandparents—it means Paladin was born to run fast and far.

Why He's Exciting:

Paladin is trained by Chad Brown, one of the most famous horse trainers in the world. He's owned by a group of people who have won the Kentucky Derby before, so they know what it takes to win the big race.

Paladin just won an important race in New Orleans called the Risen Star Stakes on Valentine's Day 2026. He won by half a length (about the size of a horse's body) even though he got bumped around during the race. Before that, he won another big race in New York in December.

What Makes Him Special:

With only three races under his belt, Paladin is still learning and getting better. He runs smart—he waits patiently, then zooms past horses at the end. His breeding suggests he'll love the long Kentucky Derby distance of 1¼ miles.

Right now, he has 60 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby, putting him at the top of the leaderboard!

"Here's Paladin with power and purpose!" @johngdooley

PALADIN runs down CHIP HONCHO to win the G2 Risen Star and earns 50 points on the Road to the @KentuckyDerby! 🌹

Chad Brown trains the chestnut colt. @tyler_gaff was aboard.

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/1YZYw0StU6

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) February 14, 2026