Vinery opening New York division

LEXINGTON, Ky. - As New York Thoroughbred breeders and owners anticipate the arrival of casino-style gaming at Aqueduct, Kentucky's Vinery Stud has announced it will take over management of Empire Stud in Hudson, N.Y., under the name of Vinery New York.

The Kentucky-based stallion operation stood Posse and Repent at Empire for this first time this year for $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

"We have seen benefits from operating in a regional market, and with casinos boosting the New York program, we think that there will be a more lucrative market for New York-breds," Vinery's president, Tom Ludt, said in the release announcing the plan. The announcement also noted that Vinery will send "a group" of Vinery-owned mares to the New York farm to be bred and foaled there.

Ludt said Wednesday night that Vinery is "aggressively pursuing our options for stallion prospects for New York" and also might relocate another stallion from its own roster to the Empire State.

Vinery's Kentucky stallion roster features Congrats, who recently relocated from Florida, Cactus Ridge, Kodiak Kowboy, Limehouse, More Than Ready, Pioneerof the Nile, Pure Prize, Purge, Silver Train, Stormello, and Street Hero. Vinery also has a division in Ocala, Fla., where it stands Benny the Bull, D'wildcat, J Be K, Maimonides, and Pomeroy.

Empire Stud's president, Jamie LaMonica, remains heavily invested in the operation, which he established with a partner in 2003. The farm currently is owned by "a diverse group of industry leaders from around the country," according to the farm's website.

In 2010, Empire stood Posse, Repent, Frost Giant, Maybry's Boy, Midas Eyes, and Silver Wagon.