Outstanding Breeder: Adena Springs

Arriving in Canada from Austria in his early 20s, Frank Stronach proceeded to build a massively-successful international company, give charitably to innumerable causes and was made a member of the Order of Canada in 1999.

How one man can accomplish so much in a lifetime is hard to imagine, and we’ve yet to mention his success in the racing industry.

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When it comes to racing, his voice lights up just like every true horse lover.

“When you win in horse racing, it’s luck,” he said, laughing. “That’s what makes this sport so great. Means don’t make a difference. Money alone doesn’t get you there.”

The challenge of the industry seems to suit his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite a few dry years, Adena Springs had a fantastic season in 2015, including winning the Sovereign Award for Outstanding Breeder.

Stronach’s proudest moment of the year was homebred Shaman Ghost’s surge of speed just before the wire to win the 156th running of the Queen’s Plate.

It was the third time Stronach owned the winner of the Canadian classic, but the first time since 1997. He spoke warmly of what the win meant to him and his team in front of a home crowd.

“It was a big, fun win,” he said proudly.

Adena Springs pulled out all of the stops in 2015. While Shaman Ghost shone the brightest, as winner of the Sovereign Award Champion 3-Year-Old male and nominee for the 2015 Horse of the Year, there were other bright stars bred by the stable that also performed exceptionally well.

Adena Springs-bred horses won or placed in a remarkable 18 stakes races, including Private Zone, Judy the Beauty and Shakhimat.

Stronach relishes being involved in the breeding side of his racing business. He describes his ideal weekend to involve pouring a glass of wine and considering the next steps in his breeding program while walking around the farm and looking at his horses.

While another year has begun and the results of this year’s stock begin to pour in, he also concerns himself with the larger picture of the racing industry.

He wants all racing lovers to be able to enjoy the sport, and works to improve the experience for race goers and horse lovers in all his endeavours.

Stronach is currently focusing on Gulfstream, most recently with the announcement of Pegasus Park, a family entertainment complex celebrating the contribution of the horse to society.

While some features of the park have yet to be revealed, there will be gardens and water fountains and fire and light shows. The centrepiece of the park is a breathtaking sculpture, Pegasus and Dragon, which is the world’s largest horse sculpture.

Stronach’s contribution to the industry, as a businessman, owner and breeder over five decades, is far from slowing, and Adena Springs’ Outstanding Breeder of the year award is a perfect example.