With a unique strategy and proven success, Checkmate has dominated the thoroughbred industry with every strategic move.

Veteran horseman Adrian Gonzalez grew up ranching in Northern California, and had his first taste of racing through a part-time job during his attendance at California Polytechnic University. Beginning with breaking and exercising young thoroughbred racehorses at Alex Trebek’s Creston Farms, he soon transitioned into the stallion and breeding sector where he formed a fuller perspective on not only the competitive nature of racing, but also the lucrative world of breeding and selling thoroughbreds.

His interest in raising and selling young horses prompted the inception of Checkmate Thoroughbreds in 2005. In 2013, Checkmate established their residency on a 66-acre property outside of California’s rich ranching land of Parkfield. In partnership with his wife Erin, the pair have grown from a small breaking & training facility with a few annual pinhooks to a full fledged bloodstock agency with multiple Graded Stakes winners, leading international stallions and sale records filling their resume.