Group 1 winner Pioneerof the Nile will start his stud career at Vinery in Kentucky next year.

Pioneerof the Nile (Empire Maker) won his maiden at Saratoga at two and was also placed in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland.   He blossomed after being transferred to trainer Bob Baffert winning the CashCall Futurity (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1).  He was also runner-up in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

“He had speed when he needed it and a mind that allowed him to handle anything,” Baffert recalled.  “I had my sights set on the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and I think he would have been very tough to beat.”

Pioneerof the Nile broke down before the 2008 Breeders’ Cup meeting and retired with career earnings of $1.63 million from a 10-5-1-1 record.

“Pioneerof the Nile is a horse we have admired for a long time,” Vinery general manager Tom Ludt said.  “We wholeheartedly believe in the horse and intend to fully support him.”