The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., complimented the New York Racing Association’s purchase of famed Sugar Maple Farm in Dutchess County.
“Sugar Maple Farm has had a storied history in New York breeding as one of the largest breeding and boarding operations in the state,” said Najja Thompson, NYTB executive director. “Standing stallions, caring for mares, foals, yearlings and racehorses on layups.
“The news of NYRA purchasing the farm with plans to modernize the facility for a multitude of purposes with the overall goal and intent of helping to further improve the landscape of New York breeding and racing is exciting and we look forward to working with NYRA toward these goals.”
NYRA’s purchase of the 466-acre property in Poughquag, first reported Wednesday by Daily Racing Form, was through a wholly owned subsidiary for $12.1 million late last year.
The DRF report said the purchase will “allow NYRA to pursue a wide array of uses including an equine health and safety research center, dedicated Thoroughbred aftercare facilities, off-track training, layup boarding and related services for horses rehabilitating injuries, equine hydrotherapy/swimming, and possibly a veterinary education program in partnership with accredited New York State-based colleges of veterinary medicine.”
Previously owned by longtime New York owners and breeders Howard and Susan Kaskel, Sugar Maple Farm campaigned Alabama Stakes winner Maplejinsky and Irish Derby winner Sir Harry Lewis. Sugar Maple also bred 2011 Hall of Fame inductee, champion and multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Sky Beauty; and champion, multiple Grade 1 winner, $1994,618-earner Itsalgreektome.
Sugar Maple features six barns with a total of 94 stalls and is located about an hour from Belmont Park and Aqueduct and two hours from Saratoga Race Course.
“The acquisition of Sugar Maple Farm will, for the first time, allow NYRA to directly contribute to New York’s breeding industry and strengthen the NY-bred program,” NYRA spokesman Pat McKenna said in a statement to DRF. “NYRA jumped at the opportunity to protect Sugar Maple Farm because it will strengthen the foundation of New York State’s thoroughbred racing ecosystem, create jobs in the Hudson Valley, enhance equine safety and preserve important open space.”
