Phoenix Thoroughbreds Ltd. has joined with New England Patriots star Rob Gronkowski in a partnership arrangement involving the 3-year-old colt Gronkowski (Lonhro {Aus}), who is set to compete in the GI Kentucky Derby May 5 at Churchill Downs after winning all three of his starts to date in 2018.
Gronkowski has acquired a substantial stake in the horse, who secured his spot in the Run for the Roses by capturing the Burradon S. Mar. 30 at Newcastle. The two-time Super Bowl champ and National Football League All-Pro will join the Phoenix team in Louisville for the Derby, where he will meet his namesake colt for the first time.
“This horse is a winner and I love a winner,” said Gronkowski. “When I heard about the racehorse being named after me, I started watching and got really stoked when he started winning. I'm all in: Welcome to the Gronk family, Gronkowski the horse!”
Once he began following the colt's career, Gronkowski connected with owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds, the global horse racing investment fund founded by Dubai-based businessman Amer Abdulaziz, to discuss a potential partnership.
“We are very excited to have this talented racehorse running in the Derby and to have Rob Gronkowski join our team,” said Tom Ludt, who directs Phoenix's global racing and bloodstock operations. “His involvement only adds to our growing credentials worldwide and can help us introduce the best of horse racing to a whole new audience.”
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