Phoenix Thoroughbreds Adds U.S. Trainers

Phoenix Thoroughbreds has expanded its roster of U.S.-based trainers over the last few weeks to include Ken McPeek and Brendan Walsh.

McPeek has already saddled a winner for the Dubai-based operation, sending out Crazy Beautiful (Liam's Map) to an impressive and popular debut victory in a one-mile turf maiden at Ellis Park July 5. The gray filly was acquired for $250,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October Sale. The conditioner will also call the shots on a Speightster colt that just came into the barn last week and he also trained the Phoenix Ladies' Syndicate's Hoistthemainsale (Mizzen Mast), a $25,000 Keeneland November weanling turned $130,000 OBS March juvenile of this year.

Walsh took delivery of his first Phoenix-owned horses last week at Keeneland. An Honor Code half-brother to 2017 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies' Turf runner-up Best Performance (Broken Vow), who cost $170,000 at KEESEP last fall, has joined the Walsh shedrow, as has a Frosted colt from the family of MGISW Tout Charmant (Slewvescent).

“We've been admirers of both trainers for some time and are delighted to be in a position to send them some horses,” said Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz. “Kenny has been a regular in Dubai and his adventurous attitude to campaigning his horses matches our own. We had a great start and Crazy Beautiful looks an excellent prospect.

“Brendan's achievements with [G2 UAE Derby winner] Plus Que Parfait (Point of Entry) in Dubai cemented our view we'd like to have horses with him, while his subsequent handling of Maxfield (Street Sense) also impressed us. We are confident of a long and fruitful partnership with both horsemen.”