Multiple grade I winner and millionaire Pioneerof the Nile will stand the 2010 breeding season at Dr. Tom Simon’s Vinery as property of a syndicate.
Bred by Ahmed Zayat’s Zayat Stables, Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker —Star of Goshen, by Lord At War) scored his biggest victory in the 2009 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) for trainer Bob Baffert. He dominated the California preps for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), also winning the San Felipe (gr. II) and the Robert B. Lewis (gr. II).
At Churchill Downs, Pioneerof the Nile ran a valiant second in the Derby behind Mine That Bird.
Pioneerof the Nile was also a top 2-year-old, taking the CashCall Futurity (gr. I) after placing in the Breeders’ Futurity (gr. I).
“Pioneerof the Nile is a horse we have admired for a long time,” said Vinery general manager Tom Ludt in a statement. “We love his race record, pedigree, and physical.”
“We are excited about our partnership with Vinery,” Zayat said. “We have retained a 50% interest in him and plan to support him in all ways that we can. He was our first homebred to race.”
Added Baffert, “He had speed when he needed it and a mind that allowed him to handle anything.”
Pioneerof the Nile retired with career earnings of $1,634,200 and five victories, a second, and a third from 10 starts. His stud fee has not yet been announced.