Gainesway Buys Interest in Karakontie

Gainesway Farm has purchcased a partial interest in 2014 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner Karakontie from the Niarchos family, it was announced Oct. 22. The homebred Bernstein runner is set to defend his title in the Mile Oct. 31 at Keeneland. A stud fee will be announced after that race.

As a 3-year-old, Karakontie not only won the Mile, but took the French Two Thousand Guineas (Fr-I). He was one of the leading juveniles in Europe the season before, having won three races in four starts including the Qatar Prix Jean Luc Lagardere Grand Criterium (Fr-I) with a Timeform rating of 115p, as well as the Prix La Rochette (Fr-III).

In the Breeders' Cup Mile, the Jonathan Pease trainee showcased his brilliance and signature turn of foot, dominating a world-class field of older horses and stopping the clock in 1:32.88. He held off a late charge from Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's Anodin, a full brother to three-time Mile winner Goldikova, to win by a length. 

ANGST: Japan-Bred Karakontie Scores Mile Win

Flaxman Holdings has a rich history in the Mile, winning the race five times—twice with Miesque, the dam of Kingmambo and third dam of Karakontie, who is out of the Sunday Silence mare Sun Is Up.

"Karakontie strikes a strong resemblance to the Flaxman-bred Kingmambo, who hails from his immediate family," said Michael Hernon, who inspected the horse at Chantilly.

Gainesway owner Antony Beck cited the farm's long history of key European imports when announcing the deal to stand Karakontie.

"Gainesway's founder, John Gaines, transformed the stallion business through a bold vision to bring European imports to the farm," Beck said. "His vision paid handsome dividends with such significant stallions as Riverman, Green Dancer, Irish River, and Blushing Groom. Each of these imports, like Karakontie, won the French 2,000 Guineas. Other prominent winners of that stallion-making race were Caro, Shamardal and Kingmambo himself.

"Karakontie validated his European form with his sensational victory on Breeders' Cup day. We are excited to add him to our roster and delighted to be doing it with the Niarchos family."

LEWYN: Karakontie Wins French Two Thousand Guineas

Flaxman Holdings has retained a significant ownership interest in Karakontie. Both they and Gainesway are committed to devote the mares and resources to maximize the stallion's likelihood for success, the farm said in a release.

"I am delighted that Karakontie is going to stand at Gainesway Farm. We believe his truly international bloodlines combine to make him a most exciting stallion prospect who we look forward to supporting strongly,'' said Maria Niarchos-Gouazé.