Seven years ago, on March 18, 2019, Pioneerof the Nile, a top sire and son of Empire Maker, passed away due to a cardiac event described as a heart attack while being transported to an equine hospital. Pioneerof the Nile had an impressive racing record, winning the Grade 1 Hollywood Futurity at age two and the G1 Santa Anita Derby at age three, and finishing second in the Kentucky Derby. As a sire, he quickly produced high-caliber horses, including three classic contenders from his first crop and the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah from his second. His third crop featured Classic Empire, a juvenile champion who won at Grade 1 level and finished runner-up in the Preakness Stakes.
Pioneerof the Nile was known for passing down the physical traits that made him a strong competitor on the track, traits that made his offspring highly sought after by breeders and owners aiming for classic victories. Yearlings sired by him became very popular at sales. From his final full crop of foals born in 2019, one colt stood out as a top prospect at the Keeneland September sale. Bred by WinStar Farm and out of the Shamardal mare Fancy Day, this colt, later named Cabo Spirit, was bought back at $145,000 RNA.
The following spring, as a 2-year-old in strong training, Cabo Spirit impressed at the OBS April sale preview by clocking the fastest quarter-mile time of the day, recording :20 4/5. He demonstrated great stride length and a BreezeFig speed figure of 70—among the best at the sale. A large and well-built dark bay, Cabo Spirit attracted strong interest and was purchased for $575,000.
Cabo Spirit made his racing debut on August 1, just over three months after the sale, and secured his first win on November 7 in his maiden race on turf at one mile. He then placed third in the G3 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes on turf. On January 2, 2022, he earned victory in the listed Eddie Logan Stakes over the same distance. Attempts to race him in the classic dirt events were less successful, highlighting his clear preference for turf racing.
Returning to turf later that year, Cabo Spirit captured the G3 La Jolla Handicap and G2 Twilight Derby. Originally a ridgling with only one descended testicle, he was gelded at some point, a change that likely contributed significantly to his longevity and consistent performance on the track.
Racing six to nine times annually, Cabo Spirit has accumulated eight wins, six second-place finishes, and ten thirds from 45 starts, amassing earnings of $1.5 million. At seven years old, he remains in excellent form. However, the leading active earner from Pioneerof the Nile’s progeny is actually Tawny Port, a fellow 7-year-old from the same foal crop. Tawny Port has won seven of 34 races and earned $2.8 million, including victories in the Bowling Green Gold Cup and the G2 Belmont Gold Cup at Saratoga. Bred by WinStar Farm out of Macho Uno mare Livi Makenzie, Tawny Port is a strong and talented competitor.
Both Tawny Port and Cabo Spirit exemplify the consistent quality, athleticism, and competitive spirit typical of Pioneerof the Nile’s offspring. Following Cabo Spirit’s recent win in the G2 City of Hope Mile on September 26, there is speculation he may compete next in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile on turf at Keeneland.
This story first appeared in the Features section of the Paulick Report on September 30, 2026.
Fan Take: This update highlights the lasting impact Pioneerof the Nile has had on modern thoroughbred racing through his exceptional progeny, who continue to shine years after his passing. For horse racing enthusiasts, it’s inspiring to see these athletes maintain high performance into their later years, suggesting a promising future for the sport anchored by strong bloodlines and enduring talent.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
