In the world of horse racing, champions can come from the most unexpected places. Such is the captivating story of the Pin Oak Stud near Versailles in the heart of Kentucky. A Thoroughbred gifted to a loving wife by her dear husband as a birthday gift soon burgeoned into an enterprise, producing nearly more than 100 stakes winners.
The prestigious horse racing barn, since its foundation in 1952, has now undergone some massive changes. And as fans got a treat from its recent unveiling, they also got a glimpse of a very notable visitor as well.
Pin Oak Stud’s exciting new beginning
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a post on X, Pin Oak Stud, a Thoroughbred racing and breeding farm in Kentucky, shared exciting news with the equestrian community. The farm recently completed renovations on its training barn. Younglings from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale also got a massive treat to gallop on the newly renovated racetrack. And the exciting update didn’t end there. Mike Stidham The Multiple Grades Winning Trainer came to visit the Keeneland September yearlings.
Last week was a busy one at Pin Oak! We moved into our recently renovated Training Barn, the #KeeSept yearlings galloped on the track for the first time, and @Stidhamracing came to see the yearlings. Mike trained the dam of our Justify colt, Durga Devi (photo 4). pic.twitter.com/O8hUh99W2S
— Pin Oak Stud (@PinOakStud) December 11, 2023
In the four pictures posted by Pink Oak Stud, Mike beamed from year to year as he enjoyed watching the young colts experience the beautiful barn. A young colt part of the yearlings was sired by Justify and out of dam Durga Devi, who was trained by Mike Stidham. This update not only highlighted the exciting news but also showed Mike’s passion for horses, which has made him a relevant name in the equestrian world.
The notable impact of Mike Stidham in the horse racing world
Mike Stidham comes from a racing family, and his late father, George Stidham, was also a jockey and trainer. Initially, he aimed to become a veterinarian but shifted his focus and career goals to wanting to train horses. His list of notable wins includes prestigious titles such as the Dubai World Cup, the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, First Lady, and more.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He earned a career milestone of 2,000 wins on November 27, 2019, at Fair Grounds. As of 2023, he has started 336 races with 56 first-place finishes and has a whopping $4,953,067 in total earnings. The sheer joy on his face captured at Pin Oak Stud highlighted the profound passion and love he holds for these magnificent creatures.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With Pin Oak Stud strategizing a new era under the ownership of Jim and Dana Bernhard, horse racing fans await more such wholesome updates from the prestigious establishment.
Watch this story: Equestrian creates a historic feat with her win at the Caldwell Night rodeo