What was the reaction within the Adena/Stronach family to the Pegasus World Cup?
“Delighted. This was a family affair that turned from a vision to reality and, in doing so, cemented the commitment by the Stronach family to promote and grow horse racing not only in North America, but the world. It is now interesting to see that the Australians are keen to replicate the idea and will offer a $10 million race this year based on the principal where owners participate in funding and share in the revenue stream generated.”
What did you, personally, make of the race and what do you think it could mean for the sport?
“It was interesting because I got the privilege and the opportunity to witness a vision by Frank Stronach become a reality. Secondly, it was a very good race because it proved that horse racing can be popular with the public and this was proven by the audience that watched it on the TV and the ratings that it received. It’s not often that you get to see a rematch of the two best horses of this past decade. Further, it proved, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that the quality of the horses bred here in Ontario could and did compete at the highest level with the best from America.”
Thoughts on Shaman Ghost finishing second?
“I was not surprised at all at his performance having had the opportunity to witness him win the Queen’s Plate and seeing his performance in the Prince of Wales. He is a very underrated horse, but when you look closely at his form you could not count him out. This is Canadian breeding at its best and descends from a sire line first started by Vice Regent who sired Deputy Minister who became Champion 2-Year-Old. In turn, Deputy Minister made his mark as a sire notably through Awesome Again who not only won the Queen’s Plate but the Breeders Cup Classic. Awesome Again has turned out to be a super stallion who has the remarkable title of siring the most Breeders’ Cup winners by any stallion, but most importantly, Ghostzapper. The sire line not continues as Ghostzapper is firmly entrenched as a leading sire in North America and now it appears he is on route to becoming the heir apparent. Sharman Ghost is truly following in his sire’s footsteps not only as a racehorse, but a contender to be a future stallion at Adena Springs.”