Great Notion, leading Maryland bull, retired
Press release- November 19, 2025
Northview Stallion Station announces the retirement of legendary Maryland sire Great Notion, citing his advancing age and the farm’s continued commitment to prioritizing his long-term health and well-being. Great Notion will turn 26 years old ahead of the 2026 breeding season, capping an extraordinary career that has helped redefine the Mid-Atlantic breeding landscape. He will remain at Northview, the farm he has called home for more than twenty years, to enjoy a peaceful and well-deserved retirement.
This article contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
A perennial powerhouse and Maryland’s Stallion of the Year every year since 2016, Great Notion has long been the dominant force among regional stallions. He is a proven source of speed, versatility and class and has delivered a level of consistency rarely seen in any breeding program. The dazzling sprinters, brilliant youngsters and durable winners that have become his trademark propelled him to historic financial milestones: he surpassed $5 million in annual offspring revenue in 2023 and over $6 million in 2024, the first Maryland stallion to reach that goal in more than a decade.
“Great Notion has been nothing short of transformative for breeding in Maryland,” said David Wade, General Manager of Northview Stallion Station. “His ability to improve mares, his consistency year after year and the tremendous quality of his runners have elevated our entire regional program. Retiring him now simply means doing good next to the horse. He has earned every comfort we can give him, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
Great Notion retires with notable statistics that underline its influence:
- 55 stakes winners and a total of 82 stakes horses, an extraordinary 17% of all his starters.
- 79% starter winners, with an average profit per starter of over $102,000.
- A stakes winner in 18 consecutive harvests – a testament to his unparalleled consistency.
- A Maryland Million staple, with at least one winner on the card for 16 consecutive years.
His descendants include some of the region’s most talented runners:
- Future Is Now, a $967,160 multi-level stakes sprinter.
- Coastal Mission, a millionaire and one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most dominant modern artists.
- Anna’s Bandit, the strong mare who earned more than $800,000 and won 17 races.
- Havelock, a five-time rated turf sprinter with earnings of more than $650,000.
- Track record setters Ruby Notion and Jazzy Idea, two of the fastest turf sprinters ever from the region.
Great Notion’s legacy dates back to his own brilliance on the track – a dazzling sprinter and a premier-ranked colt at three years old – before becoming one of the most important stallions in Maryland history. His ability to sire top talent across a variety of surfaces, distances and ages has made him a cornerstone of the state’s breeding and racing success story.
“Maybe there will never be anyone like him again,” Wade added. “He has elevated the entire region: breeders, trainers, owners and the reputation of Maryland racing itself. We are grateful for every foal he has given us.”
Great Notion will remain at the Northview Stallion Station upon retirement and receive the highest standard of care befitting one of the most influential stallions the Mid-Atlantic has ever known.
LATEST NEWS
#Great #Notion #Leading #Maryland #Sire #Retired #Racing #Biz