Belmont Park: Stronach buys majority stake in Fire On Ice

Frank Stronach has purchased majority interest in the 2-year-old colt Fire On Ice, an impressive 10 3/4-length debut winner at Saratoga on Aug. 27. Fire On Ice is being pointed to the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park on Oct. 8.

The horse will remain with trainer John Kimmel, who owned the horse in partnership with Eli Gindi. Kimmel said both he and Gindi will retain part interest in the colt, who will stand at Stronach’s Adena Springs when his racing career is over.

“Mr. Stronach remains very passionate about racing,” Mike Rogers, Stronach’s racing manager, said in a press release. “The purchase of this colt, along with the select yearlings purchased at Saratoga and Keeneland underscore Mr. Stronach’s commitment to the industry as well as his desire to maintain and develop his world-class stallion roster.”

Fire On Ice, a son of Unbridled’s Song, ran six furlongs in 1:09.67 in his debut, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 88.

“It’s a great deal for me,” Kimmel said when reached by phone at the Keeneland yearling auction. “I’m very excited. I’ve trained for the Stronachs before, and it’s nice to train a horse with such quality. I hope this proves to be a good relationship.”