What began as a single thoroughbred husband’s birthday gift to his wife ignited a passion that recently saw Jim and Dana Bernhard purchase the Pin Oak Stud near Versailles, Ky. .
Matt Weinmann, of Equine Analytical Systems, acted as Bernhards advisor as they set their sights on entering the Thoroughbred industry at a high level. They added a pair of broodstock on the first day of the November Breeding Sale in Keeneland to bring their group to five. They also have 17 children and 6 2-year-olds.
Jim Bernhard is the founder and partner of Bernhard Capital Partners, where he chairs the investment committee, sits on the portfolio committee and is involved in all areas of the company’s investment activities. company. Weinmann met Bernhards, Baton Rouge, La., in 2021 at The July Sale, Fasig-Tipton’s selected summer sale in Kentucky.
“Jim went there to buy a horse for Dana as a birthday present and it was like a snowball,” Weinmann said. “I’m really excited for them.”
Operation Pin Oak was founded in the 1950s by Josephine Abercrombie and her father, JS “Mr. Jim” Abercrombie. After 35 years at the first site, Josephine Abercrombie moved Pin Oak to its current 750-acre ranch. Mrs. Abercrombie died in January at the age of 95.
At distribution stores with three different sales last year, Pin Oak sold his remaining stock, weaned puppies, and some racing fillings. Under the leadership of Mrs. Abercrombie, Pin Oak was named National Breeder of the Year by the Purebred Owners and Breeders Association in 1995.
Pin Oak Stud has produced or campaigned for over 100 bet winners. Standout crossbreeds wearing distinct blue and gray striped silks include Peak and Valley, Broken Oath, Confession, See How She Runs, Hasten to Add, Laugh and Have Fun, and Missed storm.
Bernhards hopes to add to that tradition.
“When the Pin Oak hit the market, it seemed too good an opportunity to pass up — all that history,” Weinmann said. “As we know, Ms. Abercrombie has run a premier operation. We really want to continue the quality and tradition that Ms. Abercrombie and Pin Oak have set forth over the last 60 or 70 years.
“We want to continue to maintain that, to really hold that high standard — to achieve that and beyond.”
The core values at $425,000 and Sparkling diamond at $500,000.
Commissioned by Royal Oak Ranch (Damian and Braxton Lynch), agent of BBN Racing, Core Values is a 4-year-old daughter of Honor code who won a pair of bets and placed in this year’s Bewitch Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland. Get out Street Cry Sweet Awakening mare, Core Values are half-sisters to the Canadian two-time champion Are you kidding me? —A multi-category winner.
Signed by Bluewater Sales, Diamond Sparkles is the daughter of 3 winners War front and she was sold to ponies Quality Sugar . Diamond Sparkles is sold out Diamondsandrubies Fastnet Rock’s daughter.
Weinmann does not have an estimate of how many mares the new Pin Oak operation can buy on sale.
“We don’t have a set number, but we’re pretty dynamic,” Weinmann said. “I mean, obviously, it’s a big farm. We’re going to be pretty active and we’re looking for top quality.
“We’re going to become a full-fledged breeding and racing operation. We have the track there, so we expect to break most of our years, if not all, in the coming year. farm.”
Weinmann said some Pin Oak employees have stayed and the farm is busy looking for a manager. The pair plan to continue calling Baton Rouge home, but look forward to taking up residence at the ranch when they visit Kentucky for sales and races.
A horse and rider head to the practice track at Pin Oak Stud
Under the Lynnhaven Racing banner, the Bernhards got their first start on October 1 when Mizztify Dolls a half-Indian daughter of Mizzen Mast finished the table in the first special weight class race at Santa Anita . Park. Weinmann said the Mizztify Doll will need a bit of spice under Richard Mandella. The Bernhards have minor children with a pair of Hall of Famers in Mandella in Southern California and Bill Mott in New York.
“They are really excited to be entering this business and we are looking forward to much success and much joy,” said Weinmann.
According to his bio on his company website, Jim Bernhard is an expert in the energy services industry and has testified before the United States Senate Energy Subcommittee to discuss pending energy issues. processed in the United States and globally. He has served on numerous commercial boards and civic organizations and is active in his community. In 2001, he was recognized as “American Entrepreneur of the Year.”
In 2009, Bernhards launched “Every Kid a King”, a platform to help give children better opportunities for education and healthcare.
