Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association of New Jersey
New Jersey’s longtime leading sire Hey Chub, a multiple stakes-winning racehorse and prolific sire, passed away July 28 at the age of 25. The New Jersey-bred standout was a consistent force on the racetrack and in the breeding shed, leaving an indelible legacy on the Garden State’s racing industry.
A son of Carson City out of Donna Doo (by Spend A Buck), Hey Chub was bred and campaigned by Daniel J. Lopez’s Joe-Dan Farm, who remained his owner throughout his entire racing and stallion career. On the track, Hey Chub compiled an admirable record, hitting the board in 30 of 36 starts and amassing career earnings of $441,755. His consistency and competitive spirit earned him multiple stakes victories and a reputation for grit and reliability.
Transitioning to his second career at stud, Hey Chub quickly established himself as New Jersey’s leading sire from 2016 through 2022, producing a remarkable 73 foals of racing age, 54 starters, and 46 individual winners. His offspring were as dependable as their sire, with a 17% win percentage and an average earnings per starter of $125,091.
Among his most accomplished progeny are:
Collectively, Hey Chub’s offspring have earned over $6.7 million, a testament to his impact on the local breeding industry and the success of Joe-Dan Farm’s breeding program.
“Hey Chub wasn’t just a talented racehorse and proven sire — he was part of the family,” said Lopez. “He gave us everything he had every time, whether it was on the track or in the breeding shed. His legacy will live on through his sons and daughters who continue to carry his heart and talent.”