Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1105396
C O N S T E L L A T I O N C O N S T E L L A T I O N WinStarFarm.com Pioneerof the Nile: A Lasting Legacy 66 He began his stud career at Vinery Stud in 2010, but Pioneerof the Nile had called WinStar home since 2013. After starting at a modest fee of $20,000, Pioneerof the Nile rose to as high as $150,000 due to his rapid and impressive success as a stallion. "I think his progeny took their brilliant speed from his mom, Star of Goshen, and I think they took directly from him his mind, stride, and stamina," said Zayat. "I am sure his lasting effects will be felt for generations to come. He was just that kind of a horse." Graded stakes winner and sire Cairo Prince emerged from Pioneerof the Nile's first crop, but it was a colt from his second crop that secured his legacy. In 2015, American Pharoah, another Zayat homebred, avenged his father's defeat in the Kentucky Derby and then some, as he became the f irst horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years. He capped off his historic season with a dominating victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland, just a few miles away from WinStar. "That whole family has taken me to racing glory that is f illed with pride, history, and legacy," said Zayat. "I have to believe Pioneerof the Nile's legacy will continue to thrive through his generations of unbelievable runners and his most unbelievable son, American Pharoah. I am saddened and heartbroken, but also was blessed to have bred and owned him." Adding to Zayat's sorrow is the fact so many key players in Pioneerof the Nile's story are also gone. Jockey Garrett Gomez died in 2016, and this February, J.B. McKathan—the man who helped give Pioneerof the Nile his early lessons and was among the first to notice American Pharoah's extraordinary talent—died of a heart attack at only 53. Additionally, the Zayats lost Star of Goshen last November. She was 24, and the infirmities of old age had caught up to her. "It's a very surreal feeling that I am having," said Zayat. "Pioneerof the Nile's mother just died a couple of months ago, so it's kind of like an era ended. It's like she called him up. Then we lost J.B. Another part of the equation was Garrett Gomez, and he also regrettably died at a very young age. He was one of the most talented jockeys that the racing world had. People and horses who were the foundation of my racing operation are all in Heaven now. We will always cherish the memories." Pioneerof the Nile's loss was felt not only by the Zayats but the industry as well. Although Pioneerof the Nile will always best be known for American Pharoah, he was beginning to emerge as a sire of sires. In addition to American Pharoah and Cairo Prince, he sired champion Classic Empire, as well as Grade 1 winner Midnight Storm, who have both also joined the stallion ranks. Pioneerof the Nile has been represented by four champions internationally and his progeny have grossed over $35 million to date. "The outpouring of love, support, and memories from fans, breeders, racegoers, and every aspect of the industry was mindboggling," said Zayat. "Obviously, he was highly loved and respected by a lot of people. His legacy shall continue, and we hope and pray his progeny will continue to remind us just how very special he was." Pioneerof the Nile was an incredibly special horse on a lot of different levels. He was the first horse I ever bred. Think about that. It's kind of like your first love. You never forget it. This horse touched a lot of people's hearts and lives before he ever sired a Triple Crown winner. Ahmed Zayat " Pioneerof the Nile winning the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita with jockey Garrett Gomez. Ahmed Zayat with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.