Yesterday we were at Gulfstream Park admiring a new sales barn that went up last month, reportedly to the tune of $5 million, and three different people basically made the same comment to me. The theme was: “Where in the world would we – meaning those of us in the American racing world – be without Frank Stronach?”
I first met him in 1989 when he showed up for the Keeneland September Sales and was looking at yearlings and I had four, including a little chestnut Canadian-bred colt. You would never forget the first time you met Frank, partly because of the company he kept, which at that time did not include any professional horse pickers. Frank spent $45,000 for the tough forward-walking little Canadian-bred colt which he named Explosive Red and with whom he won the GI Hollywood Derby and over $800,000. I like to think this straightforward venture was a good first experience for a man who has made the biggest impact in American racing in my time. I don't really know him and never done much business with him, but I know this is one person to whom I owe a lot.
Think about it: What would have happened to Santa Anita, Gulfstream, and Maryland racing if Frank hadn't stepped up? Whether it was cable racing on TV, a sports league involving the purchase of over a hundred yearlings to get new people in the game, backstretch and horse rescue–you name it, the guy is in the forefront. When he comes to a horse sale, the tide rises quickly. He has been the leading owner and breeder of this century; he puts his money up. We should all be grateful. If you can't buy one of his horses, stallion seasons, or make it to one of his tracks, then just pray the man is with us another couple decades and please smile at him when you walk by him.
John Stuart, Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services
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