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

Overview

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Who is Paladin?

Paladin is a chestnut-colored three-year-old colt (which means a young male horse) born February 27, 2023. His family tree is filled with racing superstars. His father, Gun Runner, was a Champion racehorse who won the biggest races in North America. His mother's side includes sire Tapit, a legendary horse whose children have won some of racing's most important races.

 

What Makes Paladin Special?

So far, Paladin is perfect as he has won all three of his races! His wins include tough stakes races (the most important kind of races), earning him $484,250. He won the Remsen Stakes on December 6 at Aqueduct in New York, then captured the famous Risen Star Stakes on February 14 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. All his races have been on fast dirt tracks.

His trainer, Chad Brown, is one of the best in the country. Brown gets paid to make sure Paladin stays healthy and races at exactly the right times. Paladin's owners are some of the most famous racing families in the world.

What Matters: Why Root for Paladin?

Paladin deserves your support because he represents excellence. He's undefeated, trained by the best, and comes from champion bloodlines on both sides of his family. He's already won at the distance the Kentucky Derby is run (1-1/8 miles), and he keeps improving with each race.

 

Caution: What may work against Paladin

Paladin has only run three times. Some horses struggle when facing new competition for the first time. He's also very lightly raced compared to some other Derby horses, meaning we haven't seen him run often enough to know if he can handle pressure or difficult track conditions.

 


 

Paladin’s Important Related Information

Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Paladin

Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Paladin

KDFW Pool 4: Paladin closes as individual favorite at 9-1

Paladin heads Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4

Kentucky Derby Roundup: Paladin, Renegade run 1-2 in Remsen

Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Paladin wins via DQ

All-Access Trackside Coverage: 2026 Risen Star Weekend at Fair Grounds

 

Pedigree

Sire Name Gun Runner

Dam Name Secret Sigh

Oaks News February 14, 2026

Paladin, Bella Ballerina stay unbeaten in Risen Star, Rachel Alexandra

On Saturday at Fair Grounds, Paladin and Bella Ballerina bolstered their credentials as 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders with hard-fought triumphs in the Risen Star (G2) and Rachel Alexandra (G2).

Derby News December 6, 2025

Paladin prevails in Remsen joust

With his pedigree, sales history, and connections, Paladin offers an early parallel at this stage of his career with Sierra Leone, who narrowly missed in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) and eventually became the champion three-year-old male.

Derby News March 16, 2026

Chip Honcho faces Florida, California shippers in Louisiana Derby

The good news for Chip Honcho is that he won’t have to face Paladin again in Saturday’s $1 million Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2). The less good news is that Chip Honcho will have to repel a fresh posse of invaders descending upon New Orleans...

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