(Edited press release)
Congaree , a leading second crop sire and a grade I stakes winner of over $3.2-million, will stand the 2010 season at Highcliff Farm in New York. Owned by his breeders, Janice and Robert McNair, Congaree will stand for $7,500 live foal. The 11-year-old son of Arazi previously stood at Adena Springs in Kentucky.
The only horse in history to win back-to-back runnings of the grade I Cigar Mile, Congaree ran the fastest mile in North America in 2002 (1:33.11). He won 10 graded stakes, including five grade I's, from seven furlongs to 1 ¼ miles, and was an Eclipse Award finalist as champion sprinter, older male, and Horse of the Year in 2003. Congaree also placed in two legs of the Triple Crown, finishing third in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
"Congaree is that rare racehorse with blinding speed and hickory tough soundness, and he is a real coup for New York," said Highcliff manager, Dr. C. Lynwood O’Cain. "So many of our Northeast breeders remember his dominance at Aqueduct with his sensational wins in the Cigar Mile, the Wood Memorial, and the Carter Handicap. We are honored that the McNairs have chosen Highcliff Farm."
John Adger, racing and bloodstock manager for the McNairs, said the decision was made to send Congaree to Highcliff because of the success the farm has had managing another Stonerside stallion, Stonesider .
"Congaree already has five stakes winners—two graded and three listed—in his first crop alone, and he has many more good ones in the pipeline," said Adger." We thank Mr. Stronach and his team, who have played such a big part in Congaree’s success, including Dan Hall, Jack Brothers, Eric Hamelback, and especially the Adena Springs stallion manager Bill Drury and his entire crew."
