Foaled at WinStar Farm on January 22, 2017, Paris Lights was the first foal out of the Bernardini mare Paris Bikini, who hailed from the rich female family of the outstanding Kentucky Oaks-winning mare Blush with Pride. Though a bit on the small side as a foal, the bay filly was described as a strong, well-balanced foal by WinStar’s President & CEO, Elliott Walden, and the farm’s General Manager, David Hanley.
As is the case with most of the farm’s offspring, she was sent to auction as a yearling. Accepted into Book 1 of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, the daughter of Curlin received a final bid of $200,000, but this price did not reach her reserve. So, she returned to WinStar, where she joined the WinStar Stablemates roster once she was of racing age.
Soundness issues—primarily a condylar fracture requiring surgery—kept Paris Lights from racing as a 2-year-old, but trainer Bill Mott had her geared up and ready to debut by spring of her 3-year-old year.
Kicking off her career in a maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park, Paris Lights encountered a very sloppy track, managing a third in her first start. Certainly a valuable learning experience, Paris Lights then shipped to Kentucky to make her second start at Churchill Downs.
Sent off as the favorite in a field of nine, Paris Lights pressed the pace throughout before drawing off to win by an easy 6 ¾ lengths. Geared down in the final stages by jockey Tyler Gaffalione, the display of talent by Paris Lights sparked excitement among Stablemates members and the WinStar team.
This excitement only continued when Paris Lights took on allowance company next out, soundly defeating her competition once again. With a leap of faith, Paris Lights was then sent to Saratoga to compete in one of the most prestigious races for 3-year-old fillies, the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).
Facing fellow Stablemates filly Crystal Ball, Paris Lights stalked the pace of our partnership’s other filly. Around the far turn, the two fillies drew even with one another, setting up a stretch duel that is forever etched in the memories of Stablemates Racing partners. Drawing away from their foes, the fillies in black battled down the historic lane of Saratoga, neck and neck until the wire, where Paris Lights got her head in front.
With this triumph, Paris Lights gave Stablemates Racing its first grade one victory in only its third year as a partnership. Though the name of the partnership itself was enough to grab attention, she put Stablemates on the map as a top syndicate to join.
An injury kept Paris Lights from racing again in 2020, but when she returned to the races as a 4-year-old in 2021, she emphatically added to her resume with a game win in the Distaff Handicap (G3) at Aqueduct.
Although fate would have that day as her last trip to the winner’s circle, Paris Lights continued to take Stablemates partners on an unforgettable journey. She raced beneath the twin spires on Kentucky Oaks Day with a start in the La Troienne Stakes (G1), allowing a large group of members to enjoy the atmosphere of one of racing’s biggest weekends. She delighted partners with her kind personality with visits on the backstretch. While she never quite regained her 3-year-old form, she maintained her special place in the hearts of Stablemates.
Ultimately, the difficult decision was made to enter her in the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Added as a Book 1 supplement, Paris Lights will be part of the Elite Sales consignment, selling near the very end of the day on November 10 as Hip #224D.
We wish Paris Lights all the best on her new journey, and thank her for the unforgettable journey on which we’ve all been fortunate to enjoy. Merci beaucoup, Paris Lights!
