Interest in racing has been jumpstarted in the area by the proposed spring opening of a new casino/racetrack facility in Baku in Azerbaijan.
The Union of Horse-Breeding Development of Georgia and Cedar Meadow Inc. announced that 6-year-old Chairman (Deputy Minister--Dance Colony, by Pleasant Colony) will stand at Kulari Stud in the Republic of Georgia. Chairman, a $500,000 Keeneland July sale yearling, won four races and placed in 10 others from 23 starts and earned $81,840.This is believed to be the first time a U.S.-bred Thoroughbred has been shipped to the Republic of Georgia in recent times, according to Cedar Meadow president Paul Giardina. Located near East Hampton, N.Y., Cedar Meadow also has acted as agent for the sale and export of two yearlings on behalf of the same interests. Cedar Meadow and UHBDG are continuing to pursue the acquisition of additional U.S. bloodstock for export to Georgia.