On Friday, we spent a memorable morning at Winstar, home to a collection of breeding stock that is likely unparalleled, even in Lexington, KY. The star of the farm currently is Pioneer of the Nile, and he did not disappoint. He is as lovely in the flesh as he is in all of the photos and he loves peppermints! He is American Pharoah's sire and were lucky to see another of his offspring, Classic Empire, win a Grade 1 race at Keeneland for up and coming two year olds the following day. Am hoping that we'll see him in the Triple Crown races next spring.
(Pioneer of the Nile looking for more peppermints)
Their collection does not end there, and we were able to see several recent acquisitions - Carpe Diem and Bodemeister, for example. Super Saver is there, he won the Derby. Dosselmeyer stands at Winstar, he won at Dubai and the Breeders' Cup Classic and Tiznow, who won the Belmont and the Breeders' Cup Classic two years in a row. Some of the stallions were in the Southern Hemisphere. We saw the breeding shed, the stalls where the mares wait for their turn. The entire operation is first class in every respect. If you are planning a fall or winter trip to KY, visiting the stallions is a must see!
In the waiting area are many trophies and photos. I loved seeing Super Savers' Derby memorabilia:
Calvin Borel rode him to the win and he signed his boots. The blanket of roses is well-preserved. Super Saver is Winstar's only Derby winner (that they actually owned) as they tend to breed and sell. Funny Cide was also bred by Winstar but he was sold before he raced. Funny Cide is out of Distorted Humor who is 23 but still being actively bred. He looks pretty good for his age.
If you are planning a visit to the region, make a trip to Winstar part of your tour. You can book a visit
here.
Stay tuned! More to come.
I went to their open house and yes, it is a GORGEOUS farm with a stellar collection of studs! Whenever I hear about POTN, I can hear the Derby call from his year in the stretch: "And here comes Pioneer of the Nile!!! - crickets - crickets - more crickets - "And Mine that Bird! Mine That Bird has won the Kentucky Derby!" He was one flustered announcer scrambling to figure out who'd just blown by the supposed winner!
ReplyDeleteI remember that well. Hope you saw the movie about Mine That Bird. It was very good. I love POTN. He is very sweet in person.
DeleteI am lucky because Winstar is just a few miles from our home. I often see tourists apply the brakes when their gorgeous barns come into view.
ReplyDeleteAren't you lucky. Gorgeous place, the horses are incredible too.
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