Equicurean Thoroughbred side_Layout 1 7/10/12 6:27 PM Page 87
This property was first developed by Spencer Trask’s father in the late 19th century, and backed up to Spencer’s own estate, Yaddo. The elder Trask operated his picturesque land as a profitable farm until he sold to Edward F. Simms in 1920. Simms also owned and developed Xalapa Farm in Paris, KY, one of the most historically beautiful farms in the Bluegrass. He brought his elevated aesthete to Saratoga and soon erected stables, a blacksmith shop, trainer’s cottage and a one-mile training track. In 1930, John Hay (Jock) Whitney purchased the estate and named it Greentree (the Whitney family already owned the highly successful Greentree Stud in Kentucky and appendages thereof in New Jersey, Florida and South Carolina). Greentree Stud and Stable was one of the most enduring and successful Thoroughbred breeding and racing stables in the United States. The family-run operation bred 225 stakes winners all-told, including many champions. Whitney died in 1982 and left the property to his wife, Betsey Cushing Whitney. Greentree Stud and Stable dissolved in 1994, and their famous silks of salmon pink and black striped sleeves were permanently retired. The fact that manuscripts and archives were turned over to the Yale University Library defines the historical significanse of the Greentree operation. They occupy 84 boxes! It symbolizes the passing of an era. After Mrs. Whitney’s death in 1998, the Saratoga estate was put on the market. Robert and Janice McNair purchased the property in 2000 and renamed it Stonerside. The couple facilitated extensive renovations but masterfully maintained the estate’s tranquil beauty. Bill Mott had leased the training facilities prior to the McNair purchase and continued to train there through 2004. During this time, Mott trained the famous Cigar. That champion retired with earnings of $9,999,815, set a North American earnings record and won backto-back Horse of the Year titles in 1995 and 1996.
Pictured above: The Darley Stables SaratogaPublishing.com
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