The Player, who put both his fans and connections through an emotional journey this year following an injury in his final career start, will have the chance to pass down that resilient nature to some foals.
Co-breeder, owner and trainer Buff Bradley announced Sunday on the horse's Facebook page that The Player will stand at stud in 2019 at Crestwood Farm in Lexington, Ky.
Final plans are still pending, aside from Bradley knowing The Player will return home to live at his Indian Ridge Farm outside of the breeding season. Writing as The Player, Bradley quipped, "If you have a pretty lady, send her my way so we can get some babies to run."
Crestwood Farm also stands, among others, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Texas Red, Kentucky Derby runner-up Firing Line and Grade 1 winner Jack Milton.
A 5-year-old son of Street Hero, The Player required surgery and a months-long stay at Louisiana State University's equine hospital after the March 24 New Orleans Handicap at Fair Grounds. The horse fractured sesamoids in his leg that required fusing. Amid the recovery, he managed to dodge laminitis.
On track, The Player won five of 14 starts and earned more than $400,000.
