Sagamore Farm

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WELCOME TO SAGAMORE FARM

A once-in-a-generation offering nestled in the heart of Baltimore County’s equestrian countryside. More than just a property, Sagamore represents an opportunity to own a legacy, a rare and expansive estate where privacy, land preservation, and heritage converge.

TIMELESS PERMANENCE

Set on over 400+ rolling acres, this storied property is ideal for discerning buyers who value long-term stewardship, seek a multigenerational estate, or wish to create a conservation-minded legacy for generations to come.

Whether you’re drawn to the idea of restoring native landscapes, expanding equestrian operations, or safeguarding open space in one of Maryland’s most exclusive enclaves, Sagamore Farm is a canvas for visionaries. Its world-class equestrian facilities, turnkey residences, and rich history make it equally suited as a working farm, a private family compound, or a once-in-a-lifetime investment in one of the region’s most iconic estates.

With protected land all around and a location that offers both serenity and convenience, Sagamore Farm delivers the rarest luxury of all timeless permanence.

HISTORY

Established in 1925 by Isaac Emerson, the creator of Bromo-Seltzer, the farm was later gifted to his grandson Alfred G. Vanderbilt Jr. in 1933 as a 21st birthday gift from his mother, Margaret Emerson.

Under Vanderbilt’s leadership, the farm gained international acclaim as a premier breeding and training facility over five decades. Even Queen Elizabeth II once housed a broodmare at Sagamore, highlighting its global prestige.

Sagamore Farm was not just a breeding ground for champions, it was a world-class operation, a community, and a dream made real by the dedication of Alfred G. Vanderbilt II. It stood as a symbol of elegance, excellence, and equestrian passion, a true Camelot of American horse racing.

Late 1800s–Early 1900s 1933 1930s–1980s

FOUNDING BY ISAAC EMERSON GIFTED TO ALFRED G. VANDERBILT JR.

GOLDEN ERA OF THOROUGHBRED RACING

Sagamore Farm was established by Captain Isaac Emerson, inventor of Bromo Seltzer and maternal grandfather to Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt II. The land was originally intended to belong to Emerson’s daughter, Margaret Emerson Vanderbilt, until her death. However, Margaret gifts the farm to her son, Alfred G. Vanderbilt Jr., as a 21st birthday present.

Under the guidance of his trusted mentor and trainer, Bud Stotler, Alfred initiated a major expansion of the farm’s infrastructure. New additions included:

Three broodmare barns

• A yearling barn, stud barn, and a 7-stall isolation barn

• Eight large pastures, ranging from 35 to 80 acres

• A quarter-mile indoor training track and a three-quarter-mile outdoor track with a viewing stand and starting gate

The stalls were designed with excellence in mind: 16 feet square for broodmares and stallions, 12 feet for yearlings. Fire safety was also a priority, with a farm-wide hydrant and hose system, fire drills, and a dedicated pump system.

CLASS OF 1950

A golden year for Sagamore, known in racing circles as the birth of the “Class of 1950.” This legendary crop included:

• Native Dancer: The most renowned of Discovery’s descendants.

Out of Discovery’s daughter Geisha, Native Dancer won 21 of 22 starts, losing only in the 1953 Kentucky Derby by a head to Dark Star. A champion at ages 2 and 3, and Horse of the Year at 2 and 4 in various polls, he earned $785,240 and became one of the highest-valued stallions of his time.

• Find: A gelding who earned $803,615

• Social Outcast: One of the greatest geldings of all time, with earnings of $668,300

• Other Notables: Crash Dive, Homemade, and Femme Fatale

On his twenty-first birthday, Alfred G. Vanderbilt II assumed control of Sagamore Farm. A young man with a passion for racing and a legacy to uphold, he quickly set about expanding and professionalizing the operation. The original 580-acre farm—mostly prime pastureland—featured a 90-stall racing barn, 12 paddocks, and three turnout fields.

Alfred made a pivotal purchase: a chestnut colt named Discovery, acquired for $25,000. Born in 1931, Discovery would go on to become a legend of the turf, winning 27 of his 63 starts and carrying over 130 pounds in ten of those victories. Known as one of racing’s greatest weight carriers, Discovery was Sagamore’s first great champion. He passed in 1958 and was buried on the farm, becoming the second horse interred in Sagamore’s prestigious cemetery (after Bed O’ Roses in 1953).

The farm becomes a symbol of American racing excellence; even Queen Elizabeth II boards a broodmare at Sagamore.

Mid-20th Century

SAGAMORE FARM THRIVES

Sagamore Farm thrived under Alfred’s vision. It was almost entirely self-sufficient:

• Though grain and hay were outsourced, the farm operated its own carpentry, paint, maintenance, and blacksmith shops.

• Yearling sales were occasionally hosted on-site.

• In its earlier days, the farm used Belgian horses and mules for labor and even featured an in-house kitchen with a cook named Frank.

• Dormitories were built to house staff and visiting jockeys.

Jockeys at the 1953 Preakness, from left, James Combest, Eddie Arcaro, Henry Moreno, Eric Guerin, Charles Burr, Robert Summers, & Hedley Woodhouse
Alfred Vanderbilt (left) arranges his silks on the blanket rack while being directed by Trainer Lee McCoy. Alfred’s height came in handy.

NOTABLE FIGURES

BURIAL GROUNDS OF CHAMPIONS

The Sagamore cemetery became the resting place for 12 of its most honored horses, including:

SAGAMORE IN THE PRESS

ISAAC EMERSON

FOUNDER, CREATOR OF BROMO-SELTZER

MARGARET EMERSON

DAUGHTER OF ISAAC, MOTHER TO ALFRED

ALFRED G. VANDERBILT, JR.

LEGENDARY HORSEMAN AND LONGTIME STEWARD OF SAGAMORE

NATIVE DANCER

FAMED THOROUGHBRED

Known as the “Galloping Grey Ghost,” with 21 wins out of 22 races and victories in the 1953 Preakness and Belmont Stakes

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

ONCE HOUSED A BROODMARE AT THE FARM

Native Dancer, Discovery, Bed O’ Roses, Now What, Next Move, Social Outcast, Find, Good Thing, Outdone, North Sea, Loser Weeper, and Restless Native (Son of Native Dancer and Next Move).

NOTABLE PROGENY & BROODMARES

• Cold Comfort: Stakes winner and dam of Cold Reception (by Secretariat)

• Next Move: Champion at ages 3 and 5

• Now What: Champion at 2 and dam of Next Move

• Look Ma: Dam of Show Off and North Sea

Under Armour CEO Lists Horse Farm. February 28,2025. Print, pg. M2. The Wall Street Journal.

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank Wants $22 Million for His Maryland Horse Farm.

February 27, 2025. Mansion Global.

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank Lists Maryland Horse Estate for $22M. February 27, 2025. Axios D.C.

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank Wants

$22 Million for His Maryland Horse Farm. February 26, 2025. Instagram Post – February 28, 2025. The Wall Street Journal.

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank Wants

$22 Million for His Maryland Horse Farm. February 26, 2025. MSN. (pickup)

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank Wants

$22 Million for His Maryland Horse Farm. February 26, 2025. Citybiz. (pickup)

Kevin Plank Lists Historic Baltimore County Farm for $22M. February 26, 2025. Baltimore Business Journal.

Kevin Plank Lists Historic Baltimore County Farm for $22M. February 26, 2025. Baltimore Sun.

Kevin Plank Lists Historic Baltimore County Farm for $22M. February 26, 2025. Capital Gazette. (pickup)

Kevin Plank of Under Armour lists Sagamore Farm in Baltimore County for $22M. February 28, 2025. The Horse of Delaware Valley.

Thursday Morning Headline: Plank’s Sagamore Farm Listed For Sale at $22 Million. February 27, 2025. Baltimore Fishbowl.

Sagamore Farm Estate For Sale For $22M February 27, 2025. WMAR-TV.

Historic Sagamore Farm in Maryland Listed For Sale at $22 Million. February 27, 2025. Paulick Report.

Historic Sagamore Farm In Maryland Listed For Sale at $22 Million. February 27, 2025. Yahoo!

Plank Lists Sagamore Farm for $22 Million. February 27, 2025. Thoroughbred Daily News.

Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank is Selling $22 Million Home. February 26, 2025. The Spun.

MARYLAND LEGACY

Sagamore Farm is a piece of Maryland’s sporting and cultural heritage. Known for excellence in the Thoroughbred racing world, it remains as one of the state’s most iconic equestrian landmarks.

BREEDERS’ CUP VICTORY

On November 5, 2010, Sagamore-owned mare Shared Account won the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, defeating one of the best horses in the world, Midday.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

In May 2013, Sagamore-bred gelding Find was inducted into the inaugural class of the Marylandbred Thoroughbred Hall of Fame, highlighting the farm’s enduring legacy in horse racing.

BALTIMORE COUNTY

LIFESTYLE

Set amidst the rolling hills of Baltimore County, Sagamore Farm offers a rare blend of refined countryside living and metropolitan convenience—delivering a lifestyle that is as exclusive as it is enriching. Glyndon and its surrounding communities are steeped in equestrian heritage, offering the perfect backdrop for a life of leisure, privacy, and sport.

A STORIED EQUESTRIAN CULTURE

Baltimore County is home to some of the nation’s most prestigious equestrian traditions. Just minutes from Sagamore Farm is the Green Spring Valley Hunt Club, a landmark of Maryland’s foxhunting and social scene since the late 1800s. The region is also famed for its role in steeplechase racing, with annual fixtures like the Maryland Hunt Cup, one of the oldest and most challenging timber races in the country, and the Grand National Steeplechase, both drawing riders and spectators from across the East Coast. Maryland’s crown jewel of racing, the Preakness Stakes, held at nearby Pimlico Race Course, underscores the area’s national influence in Thoroughbred sport. With such events at your doorstep, equestrian passion isn’t just welcomed— it’s woven into the very fabric of life here.

RURAL TRANQUILITY MEETS MODERN ACCESS

Despite its pastoral setting, Sagamore Farm enjoys effortless connectivity. Located just off I-83 and minutes from I-695, residents benefit from a quick drive to downtown Baltimore (approx. 30 minutes), Washington, D.C. (less than 90 minutes), and BWI Airport (under 45 minutes). New York City and Philadelphia are also easily reachable for weekend travel or business.

PRIVACY & PRESTIGE

Sagamore is nestled in a region known for its commitment to open space and conservation. Gated properties, private lanes, and sweeping estate lots provide an extraordinary sense of seclusion without sacrificing sophistication. It’s a destination for those who value understated luxury, prestige, and room to dream.

HEALTHCARE & EDUCATION

Baltimore County is anchored by exceptional healthcare. Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), Sinai Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Hospital—ranked among the best in the world—are all within a short drive. Families will appreciate access to renowned private schools such as St. Paul’s School, Garrison Forest School, McDonogh School, and Roland Park Country School, offering exceptional academic programs from pre-K through college prep.

EQUESTRIAN ELEMENTS

TRACK

• ¾ mile long, 31 ½" wide

• Tapeta synthetic footing (6–8" cushion, asphalt, stone, drainage)

• 3 access gaps to infield, aluminum safety rails

• Maintained with a cultivator

CLOCKER’S TOWER

• Designed by Blackburn Architect, surrounded by English gardens

• Viewing lounge with TVs, kitchenette, hidden alf bath, conference space

• Sliding doors open to viewing deck

• Automated blinds, panoramic views of the track

• Surrounded by 5 paddocks

BARN #1 (BUILT ~2021)

• 22 stalls, tack and feed rooms, office with mini-split

• Commercial laundry, half bath, well and cistern, 16 paddocks (0.5–1.9 acres each)

BARN #2 (RENOVATED 2009)

• 22 stalls, tack room, office with mini-split, half bath

• 2-acre paddock and 15-acre field

BARN #3 (RENOVATED 2008)

• 17 stalls, tack room, office with mini-split, half bath

• 4x1-acre paddocks, 1x½-acre paddock, 1x16-acre field

NATIVE DANCER BARN

• 5 stalls, tack room, office

BUNKHOUSE (BUILT 2014, DESIGNED BY BLACKBURN)

• 6 single-bedroom apartments with kitchens and full baths

• 4 additional bedrooms with private baths in gables

• Central common areas with TV, pool table, and laundry

INSIDE THE ESTATE

MAIN HOUSE TOP OF THE VALLEY

7 BEDROOMS | 2 FULL BATHROOMS

2 POWDER ROOMS | ~15,000 SF

• Expansive front porch with built-in heaters and fans

• Formal dining, living, great room, library, kitchen, breakfast room, laundry

• Recently added conference room and additional great room

• Roof replaced in 2023

• Upgraded HVAC (except 3rd floor)

• 500-gallon propane tank (cooktop and library fireplace)

• 3 wood-burning fireplaces

• 2 hot water heaters

• 800-amp service

• Finished walk-out lower level

• Office, gym, kitchenette, bath, sitting area with fireplace

• 3-car attached garage

• 50 acres of riding trails

GENERAL MANAGER’S HOUSE & CARRIAGE HOUSE

5 BEDROOMS | 3.5 BATHROOMS

• Wood-burning fireplace

• Central AC, oil furnace

• Swimming pool, single-car garage

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