2017 Hall of Fame Inductee: Grand Central

** Below is the Hall of Fame Induction Speech for Grand Central.  This stallion was inducted into the MFTHBA Hall of Fame on September 9, 2017**

2017 Hall of Fame Inductee: Grand Central

©MFTHBA

Grand Central Born October 12, 2004, Sired by: Multi-Titled World Grand Champion Prince Jester’s Shadowfax  and the late Madam Cassey Fox a Missouri Rambler daughter, and Bred by Steve Maxey. Affectionately known as Charlie, Grand Central is a stallion that almost everyone involved with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association is familiar with. His registration papers feature some of the all-time great foundation horses in the breed. Grand Central is arguably one of the most successful show horses to ever be registered as a Missouri Fox Trotter. He is also the only horse in the history of the breed to consecutively win all 4 open World Grand Championship performance divisions and Open Model World Grand Championship, and only the second stallion to claim all four open performance championships consecutively.

The cool September night in 2010 Grand Central and Tom Williams unanimously were chosen Open World Grand Champion. This was a fun and proud night for the fox trotting performance horse enthusiast. There were Grand Central signs around the arena, T-shirts and Ball Caps proudly worn by his adoring fans. And cheering for the dynamic pair all around the Dale Esther arena during the class so loud at times it was hard to hear the announcer.  The support from the crowd that night made the victory extremely special for then owners, Vic and Alice Rowden.

In addition to being an outstanding show horse, Grand Central is also known for his gentle easy-going disposition. He is friendly, kind, mild mannered and loves to be around people. His striking copper color and naturally thick mane and tail, along with his excellent confirmation, strong shoulders, and natural rhythm from the tip of his nose to his tail make for an exemplary representative of the MFTHBA.

As a breeding stallion he is passing on his natural talents and his gentle disposition  to his offspring. Thanks to these characteristics, Not only are Grand Central’s offspring collecting numerous accolades in the Show ring, but he has produced many great trail horses as well. He is the sire of the outstanding trail horse trained by Zack Stevens, Grand Larceny, who just recently sold for $50,000.

Grand Central truly has proven to be an all-around versatile stallion and a great asset to the fox trotting horse industry.

 

Grand Central’s Major Accomplishments:

Over the past four years he has been honored to be a Top 5 MFTHBA Stallion Of The Year, and has been named the top spot of Stallion Of The Year 3 out of those 4 years.

The past four years he has made the list of MFTHBA Breeding Sire Of The Year.

Multiple time National Breeders Cup High Point stallion of the year award winner.

Throughout his show career he received 1st place from over 100 MFTHBA carded judges.

Grand Central’s Major Show Career Accomplishments

• Senior Studs & Geldings Model World Grand Championship – 2014, Shown by Linda Shaddy.

Shown by Tom Williams:

• 5 Yrs & Older Open World Grand Champion (on all 5 judges cards) – 2010
• 4 Yr Old Open World Grand Champion – 2009
• 3 Yr Old Open World Grand Champion – 2008
• 3 Yr old Open National Breeders Cup Champion – 2008
• 2 Yr Old Open World Grand Champion – 2007

Grand Central was born on the Ocala Foxtrotter Ranch in Ocala, FL, managed by Randy Williams. Tom Williams broke, trained, and showed him throughout his entire performance show career.  After a successful and exciting debut at the 2 Yr Old futurity in 2007, Vic and Alice Rowden purchased the promising young stallion from Randy and the Ocala Foxtrotter Ranch and owned him throughout his performance show career. Joe and Jennifer Stewart purchased Grand Central in 2014 and remain his proud owners. He currently stands at Randy Williams’ Barn in Buffalo, MO.

Grand Central’s offspring have continued in his show ring legacy.

The first offspring hit the show ring from Grand Central in 2011 – And they were GRAND indeed! My Daddy Is Grand debuted at the 2011 Mid America Two Yr Old futurity and was his very first offspring not only to show, but also to carry a garland. Wild West debuted at the Breeders cup to capture the 2011 Amateur Breeders Cup Championship, with Reserve going to My Daddy Is Grand and the Breeders Cup Open 2 Yr Old Stallion Winner was They Call Me Cadillac and then went on to be 2011 Reserve Breeders Cup Open 2 Yr Old Champion. Wrapping up a successful show season at the Show & Celebration was Wild West crowned as 2011 Amateur 2 Yr Old Champion and My Daddy Is Grand as the 2011 Open 2 Yr Old Champion.ur enn Winner  Yr Old futurity and was his very first offsprinf to carry a garland!  This 1st colt crop was everything mare owners were hoping to get from breeding to Charlie and once again this stallion had proved himself.

More recently, in 2016 Grand Central was the proud sire of The 3 Yr Old Futurity Open Amateur Champion, That’s Jest Jessie and the Reserve Champion, Heaven Is Grand. Also the Open 3 Yr Old Futurity Champion, Sweet Desire and the Reserve Champion, Grand Ruckus.

The Mid America Grand Slam was equally as successful for Grand Central progeny, his offspring claimed several major show titles such as: CIA – Open 4 Yr Old Maturity champion, and 3 Yr Old Amateur Champion, Grand Derby.

The accomplishments of some of his offspring during the 2016 Show & Celebration World Grand Champion performance classes include the following:

• Open 5 Yrs & Older World Grand Champion: Baby Grand
• Open 4 Yr Old Reserve World Grand Champion: CIA
• Open 3 Yr Old World Grand Champion: Sweet Desire
• Mens 4 Yrs & Older World Grand Champion: Lady Antebellum
• Ladies 3 Yr Old Reserve World Grand Champion: Grand Derby

Grand Central also produced many World Champions and Reserve World Champions during the 2016 Show & Celebration. In the last 3 years a Grand Central offspring has either won or been Reserve Open 5 Yrs & Older Senior World Grand Champion.

Grand Central has been to several exhibitions as a representative of the MFTHBA such as the MFTHBA Parade of Champions, Equine Affair in Ohio and he represented his late Grand-Sire Prince Jester at the 2011 Breyerfest.

Congratulations to Grand Central as he is awarded this prestigious award and the  honor of becoming an MFTHBA Hall of Fame recipient. This stallion has not only made his mark in fox trotting history but also in the hearts of all of those involved with him over the years.

In recognition for his accomplishments in the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association, his promotion of the breed, and the impact on the breed through his offspring, upon recommendation of the MFTHBA Board of Directors, we welcome Grand Central to the MFTHBA Hall Of Fame.

©MFTHBA