Einstein, who is scheduled to run in the Sept. 6 Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar, has been bought by Frank Stronach’s Stronach Stables for an undisclosed sum from Bill Gallion and Shirley Cunningham’s Midnight Cry Stable. The deal was completed Aug. 31.
Einstein, who was purchased for his ability as a runner and his potential as a stallion, is a grade I winner this year on the main track and the turf. He captured the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) on a synthetic surface and then took the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. IT) on grass at Churchill Downs for the second consecutive year.
Bred in 2002 and foaled in Brazil, Einstein has made all 27 starts in North America, winning 11 races. He has won or placed in 13 stakes, all of which are graded, and has earned $2,703,324.
“Mr. Stronach’s breeding program focuses on soundness and on powerful outcrosses,” said Eric J. Hamelback, general manager of Stronach’s Adena Springs farm near Paris, Ky. “Einstein has won seven stakes, five of which are grade I. He’s a strong, solid individual and is still racing.”
Einstein is by 1986 Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Spend a Buck, who achieved plenty of success as a stallion in Brazil. Einstein’s pedigree is free of the pervasive blood of Mr. Prospector and Seattle Slew. Another popular stallion, Northern Dancer, appears once in the fourth generation of Einstein’s pedigree. Einstein was produced from Brazilian group I winner Gay Charm (by Ghadeer).
Einstein also captured the 2006 Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Cup Stakes (gr. IT); the 2007 Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap (gr. IIT) at Fair Grounds; and the 2008 Gulfstream Park Turf Stakes (gr. IT) and the Clark Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs. Five of his six stakes-placings came in grade I events.
Hamelback said a decision has not been made as to when Einstein will enter stud. Helen Pitts will continue to train Einstein.
Gallion and Cunningham were found guilty in a Kentucky court in August of defrauding clients of millions of dollars in the fen-phen settlement and were sentenced to lengthy prison terms.