Zayat Stables

2009 Record: (573-113-86-68)

2009 Earnings: $6,323,286

2009 Win %: 19% In-The-Money %: 46%

Owner(s): Ahmed Zayat
Born: Aug. 31, 1962, Cairo, Egypt
Residence: New Jersey, New York, Egypt and London
Family: wife, Joanne; and children, Ashley, Emma, Justin and Benjamin
Education: Master's degrees in business and public health from Boston University and Harvard University
Professional Background: An entrepreneur known for turning companies around, Zayat is best known for the privatization of Al Ahram Beverages Company (ABC), which was later sold to Heineken International after turning into the largest beverage manufacturer and distributor in the Middle East … In addition to the beverage industry, he is involved in other industries, as well as the largest shareholder in the largest manufacturer of glass containers in Egypt, Misr Glass Manufacturing (MGM)
Racing Background: Introduced to race horses in his early teens while competing in national show jumping events in his native Egypt. He has been passionate about horses and the sport of horse racing ever since
Racing Career: Was the leading owner at Del Mar in 2006, but the following summer he moved his horses to Saratoga over concerns with the track's new Polytrack surface. He then earned that track's leading owner title with 18 winners from 47 starts ... Zayat shipped his California horses to East Coast trainers in the winter of 2008 over similar synthetic surface concerns at Santa Anita … Told the San Diego Union-Tribune in July 2009, "“I'm not against synthetic tracks at all. But the bottom line was that if it's a trial-and-error thing somebody should invest the time and do something with it. ... Not being arrogant, but the results speak for themselves; I think I was vindicated.” He has returned to race at Del Mar in 2009, including a win by Bob Baffert-trained Zensational in the Bing Crosby Handicap (G1), which followed his victory in the Triple Bend Handicap (G1) at Hollywood Park. Zensational also won the Pat O'Brien Handicap (G1). ... Pioneerof the Nile, trained by Baffert, finished second in the 2009 Kentucky Derby and 11th in the Preakness (G1) after winning the Santa Anita Derby (G1), but was later retired with a leg injury. ... Thorn Song won the 2009 Shoemaker Mile (G1) while trained by Dale Romans, but moved to Mike Mitchell and bolted in the Eddie Read Handicap (G1), before being sidelined with abscesses in both front feet. Other top Zayat horses include Eaton's Gift, who won the "Win and You're In" Smile Sprint Handicap (G2) over Benny the Bull while with Romans, and is now with Chad Brown; Soul Warrior, trained by Steve Asmussen, won the West Virginia Derby (G2) over Big Drama and Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mine That Bird, who was third; Turfway Park Fall Championship Stakes (G3) runnerup Alaazo, trained by Todd Pletcher; and twice G2-placed Halo Najib, also with Mitchell. ... Through Oct. 6, is the second leading owner by earnings with $5,509,439 and 89 wins. ... Formed in 2005, Zayat Stables LLC has quickly became a major force on the racetrack and in the sales ring … Scored immediate success with Grade 1 winners Point Ashley and Downthedustyroad plus others stakes winners Massive Drama, High Again, Got the Last Laugh, Marcavelly, Belgravia, Forefathers, E Z Warrior, Baroness Thatcher, Maimonides and J Be K. ... First appearance at the Breeders' Cup was in 2006; he had five starters in 2007, with a best finish from Baroness Thatcher, fourth in the Filly & Mare Sprint, and two in 2008. .. In just three years had two horses running in the Kentucky Derby with Z Fortune finishing 10th and Z Humor 14th in 2008
Breeding/Racing Operation: Was the seventh leading buyer at the 2009 Keeneland September yearling sale, having spent $3,064,000 ... Zayat Stables has approximately 276 horses, more than 170 of which are in training spread among trainers Steve Asmussen, Tony Dutrow, Reade Baker, Scott Lake and Jonathan Sheppard. Removed 14 horses from Dale Romans after four years in spring of 2009 when results were below expectations. Removed 55 from Bill Mott over the winter because he didn't want to stable at Payson Park where Mott stables. Among the horses that left Mott was Pioneerof the Nile … Ended 2008 as the leading owner nationally by earnings with $6,883,902 in purses and 116 victories. ... The initial focus of Zayat's operation has been developing racing and breeding prospects, with long-range plans to acquire companies involved in equine health research and product development as well as the possibility of racetrack ownership ... Bloodstock advisor and racing manager is Sobhy Sonbol. ... Made splashy, big-ticket purchases starting in 2005 including Maimonides, a $4.6 million Keeneland September yearling, by the late Vindication, who is a half-brother to Grade 1 winners El Corredor and Roman Ruler. Also purchased the sale topper at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale, a filly by Empire Maker, for $1.6 million, named Mushka ... Zayat Stables keeps about 20 broodmares in Kentucky and has plans to enter the stallion business ... Adhering to his original business plan put forth in 2005, Zayat offered 70 horses, including racing, broodmare and stallion prospects during the 2008 Keeneland November breeding stock sale through Eaton Sales, including Baroness Thatcher, who sold for $1.8 million, G2 winner Mushka, who sold for $2.4 million, J Z Warrior, who sold for $1.125 million, G3 winner Z Fortune, and stakes winners Premium Wine and Zee Zee.

Breeders' Cup Record

Starts	1st	2nd	3rd	Earnings
2	0	0	0	$53,250

2008	Juvenile	Pioneerof the Nile	5th
	Mile	Thorn Song	9th