Gainesway purchases share in Karakontie

Gainesway Farm has purchased an interest in French classic winner Karakontie from the Niarchos family and will stand the colt in Kentucky following his repeat attempt in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

The move continues to beef up the roster for the Lexington, Ky., farm, which already stands leading North American sire Tapit and has also repatriated Empire Maker – grandsire of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah – to stand for 2016, in partnership with Don Alberto.

"Gainesway's founder, John Gaines, transformed the stallion business through a bold vision to bring European imports to the farm,” Gainesway owner Antony Beck said. “His vision paid handsome dividends with such significant stallions as Riverman, Green Dancer, Irish River, and Blushing Groom. Each of these imports, like Karakontie, won the French 2000 Guineas. Other prominent winners of that stallion making race were Caro, Shamardal and Kingmambo himself. Karakontie validated his European form with his sensational victory on Breeders' Cup day. We are excited to add him to our roster and delighted to be doing it with the Niarchos family."

A fee for Karakontie, a 4-year-old son of Bernstein, will be announced following the Breeders’ Cup Mile, to be contested Oct. 31 at Keeneland.

A Group 1 winner as a juvenile, Karakontie won the French 2000 Guineas last year, then capped his season with his score in the Mile at Santa Anita.

Bred by the Niarchos family, Karakontie is from the family of their two-time Mile winner Mieqsue. The family has retained “a significant interest” in Karakontie and plans to support him with mares.