Sagamore Farm to transition from horses to growing corn and rye for whiskey
Global Campaign, who races for the partnership of Sagamore Farm and WinStar Farm, will make the final start of his career in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic before going to stud at WinStar Farm. The race will also mark the end of the latest chapter in Sagamore’s history in the Thoroughbred industry, as the farm’s principals announced Thursday that they plan to use the Maryland property to focus on the Sagamore Spirit whiskey brand.
Sagamore was founded in 1925 by Isaac Emerson and bequeathed to Alfred Vanderbilt Jr. in 1933. Under Vanderbilt’s leadership Sagamore was known for runners such as the great racehorse and sire Native Dancer. Kevin Plank purchased the farm in 2007 and has campaigned runners such as 2010 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Shared Account, and now Global Campaign, who comes to the Classic off a victory in the Grade 1 Woodward.
According to a Thursday release, the farmland will remain in the Plank family, but will primarily be used for growing corn and rye for the Sagamore Spirit brand.
“I love this farm and am so proud of what we’ve built with Sagamore Racing, including helping to reenergize racing in Maryland and experience success on the track,” Plank said. “The farm will remain in my family, but after 14 years, it is time to use this beautiful piece of property in a new way. It will remain an asset to the community, but the primary purpose of our next chapter will focus on [Sagamore Spirit]. . . . We look forward to Global Campaign competing at Keeneland in the Breeder’s Cup Classic this Saturday as this race marks the end of this incredible chapter in Sagamore Farm’s rich history.”
The complete transition of the farm will take place by the end of this year. A handful of retired horses will remain on the farm.
“While this day is somewhat bittersweet, I am very proud of all we accomplished and look forward to working with Kevin and my team on the transition to the next, exciting phase in the life of this historic property,” Sagamore Racing president Hunter Rankin said.