Bert/Diana Firestone leaving racing?

[Glimmerglass]

The Firestone impact (via Newstead Farm) with racing their Upperville, VA homebreds has been modest in recent years. Most notable has been multiple graded stakes winner MIDDLEBURG (now retired) + having sold homebred WINCHESTER who won multiple G1s in 2010/11. They still have a few active runners who are winning such as multiple stakes winning homebred filly AMOIRE (10 4-4-0) to continue.

However they listed the 350+ acre farm (& the mansion) for sale today. One can only assume that means yet another Northern Virginia race breeder is exiting. Admittedly the price is steep enough that it likely won’t sell for a while but it suggests they’re winding down.

Outside of at best a handful of horses from Lazy Lane Farm there isn’t much left in that area with homebred racing. Hickory Tree Farm I don’t think has any activity, et al.

[Cammie]

I haven’t been there in years, but it is one gorgeous property.

http://www.wfp.com/property/detail/L…VILLE-VA-20184

[Palm_Beach]

It pays more to breed in other states, and with no VA racing, not much of an incentive to put down roots in VA.

[snaffle1987]

No to mention urban sprawl in VA eating up land and driving up costs of doing business. It’s sad. They had a nice impact on the show horse world as well. Beautiful farm; so classic.

They are getting up there in years though so perhaps they decided to sell because of that. Perhaps none of their family is willing to continue it on.

If I won the lottery I would certainly volunteer to do so!

[Shammy_Davis]

@Glimmerglass

The Firestone impact (via Newstead Farm) with racing their Upperville, VA homebreds has been modest in recent years. Most notable has been multiple graded stakes winner MIDDLEBURG (now retired) + having sold homebred WINCHESTER who won multiple G1s in 2010/11. They still have a few active runners who are winning such as multiple stakes winning homebred filly AMOIRE (10 4-4-0) to continue.

However they listed the 350+ acre farm (& the mansion) for sale today. One can only assume that means yet another Northern Virginia race breeder is exiting. Admittedly the price is steep enough that it likely won’t sell for a while but it suggests they’re winding down.

Outside of at best a handful of horses from Lazy Lane Farm there isn’t much left in that area with homebred racing. Hickory Tree Farm I don’t think has any activity, et al.

Very sad. The VA Thoroughbred industry since it grand days after WWII has been full of heartbreaking goodbyes.

[SnicklefritzG]

they are pushing 90!!!

Kudos to anyone who sticks around for even half the time they did.

@snaffle1987

No to mention urban sprawl in VA eating up land and driving up costs of doing business. It’s sad. They had a nice impact on the show horse world as well. Beautiful farm; so classic.

They are getting up there in years though so perhaps they decided to sell because of that. Perhaps none of their family is willing to continue it on.

If I won the lottery I would certainly volunteer to do so!