U S Captain: A Stallion with a Pedigree to Match the Best

Two of New Zealand’s most respected breeding operations have joined forces to secure what they believe is one of the most exciting pacing stallions to land in the Southern Hemisphere in recent years.

U S Captain, the impeccably bred son of Captaintreacherous from the champion mare American Jewel, is now standing at Wai Eyre Farm and Macca Lodge in a new joint venture that represents a significant statement of intent for the 2025/26 breeding season.

“When the opportunity came up to acquire him outright, we jumped at it,” said Darryl Brown of Wai Eyre Farm. “To have a son of Captaintreacherous out of arguably the best pacing filly of the modern era, standing on our shores—it’s a massive coup for the New Zealand breeding industry.”

Brent MacIntyre, of Macca Lodge, echoed those sentiments.
“This isn’t just about a big pedigree. It’s about making the best bloodlines accessible to Kiwi breeders at a realistic price point. And the best part is, every dollar spent on U S Captain stays right here in New Zealand.”

A Dam Line of Global Class

Bred by Brittany Farms, U S Captain is out of American Jewel (American Ideal–Trim Hanover), a champion at both two and three and the richest daughter of American Ideal with US$1.84 million in earnings.
She was crowned O’Brien and Dan Patch Filly Pacer of the Year, set or equalled four world records, and became the fastest female pacer in the world on both mile (1:48.2) and 5/8 mile (1:49.2) tracks.

Her major wins included:
$500,000 (G1) Breeders Crown
$642,000 (G1) Fan Hanover
$633,000 (G1) She’s A Great Lady
$281,000 Kentuckiana
James Lynch Memorial, Bluegrass Stakes, Eternal Camnation, and more

Her maternal line traces back to Three Diamonds, a Hall of Fame broodmare whose descendants include Life Sign, Eternal Camnation, Luck Be Withyou, Bettor’s Wish, and American Ideal himself, the sire of American Jewel.

“It’s a female family stacked with athleticism, early speed, and class,” said Brown. “That’s the kind of legacy we want injected into our local broodmare base.”

American Jewel has continued to deliver at stud. She is the dam of Odds On Platinum (1:49, $1.12M), a G1 James Lynch winner, and has two full siblings to U S Captain—Shining Beauty and Lady Captain—who have both left stakes performers, including American Son (1:49.3), a winner of the KYSS at two and a recent New York Sires Stakes heat victor as a three-year-old.

A Solid Performer in Elite Company

While overshadowed by the towering names in his generation, U S Captain carved out a highly respectable career in elite company. From 52 top-three finishes and 22 wins, he earned his stripes against the likes of Captain Crunch, Bettor’s Wish, Dancin Lou, and Captain Ahab.

At two, U S Captain finished runner-up in a $250,000 Kentucky Sires Stakes elimination (1:51.2), placed in the Kindergarten Classic, and was an unlucky fourth in the Dream Maker Final—flashing home in 25.4 after being locked away. Six of his nine 2YO starts featured final quarters of 27 seconds or faster.

At three, he opened his season with four consecutive wins, including two heats of the Pennsylvania Stallion Series (1:50.4 or better). He finished third behind Captain Crunch and Workin Ona Mystery in the Meadowlands Pace Elim (1:48.3), earning a spot in the $682,000 final, which also featured Bettor’s Wish.

He was narrowly beaten in the Messenger Stakes Final ($580,000) at Yonkers after sitting parked and challenging Bettor’s Wish. He was also stakes-placed in the Progress Pace (3rd), KYSS (2nd in 1:49), Bluegrass (4th), and multiple eliminations including the Adios and Little Brown Jug.

Later in his career, U S Captain stepped into older open-class ranks and added another 15 wins and 20 placings, including a dominant 1:49 win at The Meadowlands.

“He was a hard-running, versatile horse who raced with and against some of the best,” said MacIntyre. “He may not have been a superstar, but he was genuine, tough, and brought it every week.”

Early Fertility & Incentive Eligibility

U S Captain stood his first two seasons in Canada prior to export, covering 62 mares in 2024 and just over 50 in 2025, with strong conception rates in the high 70% to low 80% range.

His Southern Hemisphere progeny will be eligible for both the Harness 5000 series and HRNZ’s Next Gen Breeders Incentive, creating more value for breeders looking to reinvest at the grassroots.

“We’re excited about what this horse can offer breeders across both islands,” said MacIntyre. “With the pedigree he brings, we think U S Captain will make a real impact.”

For bookings or further information, contact Darryl Brown at Wai Eyre Farm or Brent MacIntyre at Macca Lodge.