Stalwart Member of New York Racing Scene unbridled

New York-Bred starts new career as first member of new thoroughbred Foundation…

December 13, 2003 -- Aqueduct Race Track, Ozone Park, NY – Leading thoroughbred owner Sanford Goldfarb announced in the paddock before the Big A’s first race, “win or lose, this is the final start for Stalwart Member, as a ten-year-old he deserves an easier life, he is sound and fit and that is how every horse should exit his or her racing career.” Goldfarb fondly recounted, “For three years Stalwart Member has been like a member of our family, he has brought us thrilling races and many victories.” “He has a lot of life in him and we look forward to following his progress with Susan Kayne as he acclimates to life outside the track.”

With earnings in excess of $780,000 Stalwart Member retires as one of the State’s top New York-bred earners. Goldfarb claimed the chestnut gelding for $35,000 as a seven-year-old in 2000 and won several races and graded stakes with him on the New York circuit.

STALWART MEMBER winning the Grade III Sports Page Handicap November 2001.

Kayne got the call from William Castle, licensed stable manager for trainer Steve Klesaris, after the race on Saturday. Kayne, ecstatic to learn that Sandy made the choice to send this warrior out in fine condition, said “too many owners run horses too long, Sandy Goldfarb is a veteran horseman and he knew that this was the right move for Stalwart Member. I hope that other owners will follow his example.”

Kayne met Goldfarb and trainer Klesaris at Saratoga when both were featured on UNBRIDLED, a behind-the-scenes television series she created and hosted on CBS affiliate channel 6. During the show Goldfarb’s affection for the horses was evident and he recognized the same in Kayne.

As a horseman, Goldfarb knew that Stalwart Member had a lot left in him to contribute to those around him, “he loves his job, but we knew it was time for a career change.” That discernment led Goldfarb to fund the UNBRIDLED Thoroughbred Foundation and serve as the organization’s Honorary Chairman. Stalwart Member is the founding member; we hope his good fortune will lead to happy lives for many other thoroughbreds that have paid their dues on the racetrack.

With Goldfarb chairing the organization, prominent horsemen have already expressed an interest in supporting the effort to extend the useful life of thoroughbreds. Announcements will be forthcoming as the UTF Board is formalized.

Kayne will oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure that horses placed with the organization receive proper care during the critical transition from life at the track to life on the farm. A champion equestrian, Kayne has retrained many thoroughbreds for pleasure and the show ring, simply put, “thoroughbreds are wonderful teachers and bring joy to all who encounter them.”

Kayne broke the news of Stalwart Member’s arrival on Capital OTB (Time Warner Albany channel 12) Sunday morning where she co-hosted the day’s racing analysis with well known handicapper Anthony Mormino.

Fans will be kept abreast of Stalwart Member’s progress via the UNBRIDLED website.

more about STALWART MEMBER:

Bred in New York by Edwin Wachtel, Stalwart Member is out of the winning Stalwart mare Ms. Stalwart, and is a half brother to stakes winner Mount Intrepid.

Competitive to the core, Stalwart Member scored a number of stakes wins in addition to the Sport Page, inlcuding the 1997 renewal of the Gravesend Handicap (G3) also at Aqueduct. Overall, he won seven stakes and equaled the track record at Aqueduct for six furlongs when he won the 1997 Hollie Hughes Handicap in 1:08.64. Stalwart Member also placed in six other stakes, including a runner-up finish to Langfuhr in the 1997 Carter Handicap (G1). Owned by Goldfarb and Stewart Hoffman, he retires with 18 wins in 64 career starts and earnings of $783,807.

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