Plank’s Sagamore Farm to Exit Thoroughbred Racing

When Global Campaign  starts in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 7 at Keeneland, it will mark the end of the current venture by Kevin Plank’s Sagamore Farm in Thoroughbred racing.

In 2007, Plank, the CEO of the sports fitness apparel giant Under Armour, purchased the historic farm near Glyndon, Md., that once served as the base of Alfred G. Vanderbilt II’s Thoroughbred breeding. The farm is the burial site of stars Native Dancer, Bed o’ Roses, and Discovery.

Though Plank is exiting Thoroughbred racing and breeding, he will retain the farm, where he plans to grow corn and rye.

“I love this farm and am so proud of what we’ve built with Sagamore Racing, including helping to reenergize racing in Maryland and experience success on the track,” Plank said. “The farm will remain in my family, but after 14 years it is time to use this beautiful piece of property in a new way. It will remain an asset to the community, but the primary purpose of our next chapter will focus on growing corn and rye to support all we are doing with Sagamore Spirit and our award-winning rye whiskey.”

Sagamore campaigns Woodward Handicap (G1) winner Global Campaign with the son of Curlin ‘s breeder, WinStar Farm. Plank plans to attend the race Saturday.

Since Plank purchased Sagamore, highlights have included Breeders’ Cup victories as an owner with Shared Account’s upset in the 2010 Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) and as a breeder when Sharing (Speightstown —Shared Account, by Pleasantly Perfect) won last year’s Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T). Shared Account is one of only four Breeders’ Cup winners to produce a Breeders’ Cup winner.

After Plank purchased the farm, he conducted a major renovation. He established Sagamore Racing and returned horse racing on the farm to prominence. He has now decided that it is time for the farm to shift its focus again.

In recent years, Sagamore has been selling off horses. The full transition of the farm will take place by the end of the year. A small number of retired horses will remain on the farm as pasture horses to symbolize the rich history of Sagamore Farm.

Hunter Rankin, the president of Sagamore Racing, added, “While this day is somewhat bittersweet, I am very proud of all we accomplished and look forward to working with Kevin and my team on the transition to the next exciting phase in the life of this historic property.”

Plank said, “We look forward to Global Campaign competing at Keeneland in the Breeders’ Cup Classic this Saturday as this race marks the end of this incredible chapter in Sagamore Farm’s rich history.”