Gronkowski Race Team Eyes Belmont Stakes

By Dave Wedge —-

Prized colt to resume training next week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. April 24, 2018 – Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Ltd., announces today that Gronkowski, a prized 3-year colt, will resume training next week in preparation for its U.S. debut at the Belmont Stakes, scheduled for June 9, 2018 at Belmont Park, N.Y.

The Phoenix race team was forced to bypass the upcoming Kentucky Derby after the horse experienced a minor infection, which prevented its travel from Newmarket, England to Kentucky. The horse is now on antibiotics and is expected back on the track early next week.

“Gronkowski the horse is recovering very well from a small infection, “ said Tom Ludt, Vice President of equine operations for Phoenix Thoroughbreds, which owns the towering colt. “He’s extremely strong and we are excited about getting him to the U.S. to compete at The Belmont.”

The Phoenix race team, which now includes the colt’s co-owner, New England Patriots all-pro tight end and two-time Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski, expects the horse to make a big impact on American racing. In addition to the Belmont, the Phoenix team has its eyes set on the November Breeder’s Cup Classic at Churchill Downs.

Rob Gronkowski recently acquired a substantial stake in his namesake racehorse and was planning to travel to the Derby to meet the colt for the first time.

“This horse is a fighter and a winner,” Gronkowski said. “As an athlete, I understand the need for rest and recovery time. I’m glad that he’s recovering quickly, and I look forward to meeting him soon and taking some selfies!”

Gronkowski the football player and Gronkowski the horse share some similar traits, as both are fierce competitors and possess imposing physiques on their respective athletic fields. Gronk the man is 6-feet, 6-inches tall and weighs in at 265 pounds, while the horse is a massive 16.3 hands tall and tips the scales at 1,212 ½ pounds.

Gronkowski the horse was sired by champion Lonhro, Australia’s Racehorse of the Year in 2003-’04, and was bred in Kentucky as the first foal from the mare Four Sugars, a daughter of twice champion American racehorse Lookin At Lucky. Phoenix Thoroughbreds, founded by Dubai-based businessman Amer Abdulaziz, purchased Gronkowski in 2017.

About Phoenix Thoroughbreds Ltd.
Formed in 2017, Phoenix Thoroughbreds is a racing and breeding investment fund that has purchased more than $25 million in bloodstock while establishing stables in the United States, Europe, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. With bases in Dubai, London and Los Angeles, the fund was founded by Dubai businessman and racing enthusiast Amer Abdulaziz. Among Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ horses are the Bob Baffert-trained Grade 1 winner Dream Tree, Kentucky Derby entrant and stakes winner Gronkowski, and Take Me With You, a filly who placed in the Albany Stakes during the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting of 2017.
For more information visit: https://www.phoenixthoroughbreds.com