Grade 1 winner and experienced stallion Cross Traffic is set to stand at Weehoe Farm in Berryville, Virginia, for the 2026 breeding season, according to a report from Daily Racing Form. The 17-year-old son of Unbridled’s Song, who began his stud career at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, will make his debut season in Virginia after plans to place him at Mount Airy Farm in Millwood, Virginia, fell through shortly before the breeding season.
Owner John Fankhauser, who also runs O’Sullivan Farm in West Virginia and intends to stand three stallions there in 2026, decided to bring Cross Traffic into Virginia as part of his efforts to broaden his breeding operations into neighboring states. Cross Traffic rose to prominence as a leading new sire in 2018, highlighted by his offspring Jaywalk, the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies that year and named Eclipse Award champion 2-year-old filly.
In addition to Jaywalk, Cross Traffic has sired multiple graded stakes winners, including Grade 1 winner Defining Purpose and Grade 3 winners Hia Mi Song, Niecy Marie, and Maple Leaf Mel. Over nine racing seasons, his progeny have achieved 271 victories and earned more than $27.4 million. For further details, readers can refer to the Daily Racing Form.
This article was originally published by Paulick Report on January 28, 2026, and first appeared in their News section.
Fan Take:
This move is significant for horse racing fans because it reflects a growing trend of top stallions expanding beyond Kentucky, bringing high-quality bloodlines to new regions and potentially revitalizing local breeding programs. Cross Traffic’s relocation to Virginia could spark increased interest and investment in the Mid-Atlantic breeding scene, offering more opportunities for regional breeders and enhancing the sport’s diversity.
