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| Staff Writer |
With three generations of horsemanship flowing through his veins and decades of experience at America's premier Thoroughbred operations, Scott Kintz has established himself as a cornerstone in preparing elite American-bred horses for Middle East racing success. As the founder of Six K's Training & Sales, Kintz has emerged as a pivotal figure in the growing trade relationship between US breeding programmes and Gulf racing operations, particularly through his flourishing partnership with Dubai-based trainer Michael Costa. His story is not just about breaking horses; it's about building bridges between two of the world's most dynamic racing jurisdictions.
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"Growing up on the racetrack was a great way to grow up. I feel my horsemanship came from those days," reflects Kintz, whose story begins at Waterford Park, where three generations of his family shaped his understanding of Thoroughbreds. But it wasn't just about tradition – those early years at smaller racetracks provided invaluable lessons that would shape his entire approach to horsemanship.
"We raced at cheaper racetracks, and I think that helped to develop the way we do things," Kintz explains. "Seeing horses from different backgrounds, I noticed the ones with better mental resilience stood out. This inspired me to focus on developing the same quality in our graduates.. It was also always about foundation and trying not to overtrain them."
This philosophy, born from watching horses of varied backgrounds and abilities, has become the cornerstone of Six K's training programme. For Kintz, the Thoroughbred business isn't just a career ."It is where I learned to love this business and look at it as a lifestyle."he reflects.
The journey from those early days to establishing Six K's Training & Sales reads like a masterclass in Thoroughbred industry experience. Following successful tenures as farm manager at Taylor Made Farm, general manager at Woodford Thoroughbreds, and a position at Whisper Hill Farm managing Mandy Pope's operation, Kintz finally answered a calling that had been growing stronger with each passing year.
"I had the itch to go out on my own to break and train young horses," Kintz reveals, reflecting on his transition. "Training has always been my passion, so after spending time on farms it just grew stronger." Despite an excellent position with Pope's prestigious operation, that persistent desire to train couldn't be ignored. "Unfortunately I did not stay with Mandy long and went out on my own. I learned so much from all of those stops along the way and still have a great relationship with all."
Kintz's success is evident in his partnership with Jebel Ali Stable, where six of his first ten Dubai-bound graduates have won races, one at stakes level. This success has led to twelve more yearlings under his care. His approach is straightforward. "Michael picks out and buys the horses, I get them home and do what we do," he explains, reflecting a partnership built on clear roles and mutual trust.
What sets Kintz's programme apart is its consistency, regardless of the horse’s destination. "We really don't do anything differently with them than we do with the others," he explains. "The main thing is we take our time knowing they have a big trip ahead of them and will not be racing until fall." This measured approach, combined with the knowledge that his graduates will be joining Michael Costa's respected operation in Dubai, allows Kintz to focus on his core mission. "My main thing is to get them there healthy, sound, fit and well educated, " he states with conviction.
"We breed and raise the best dirt horses in the world, and they want to race on dirt," Kintz observes, pointing to the natural synergy between American breeding programmes and Gulf racing ambitions. "This will do nothing but strengthen the trade between the US and Gulf States."
What sets Six K's Training & Sales apart is its unique blend of professional excellence and family values. Kintz's son Nick serves as an assistant trainer, bringing with him a lifetime of experience that started with foaling mares at Taylor Made from the age of three. His wife Kim manages the business operations, while son-in-law Charlie Pardee serves as foreman. Even the youngest generation is becoming immersed in the tradition, with Friday family days at the barn becoming a cherished ritual.
"The biggest reason I went on my own was to bring my son on as my assistant," Kintz reveals. This family-first approach extends to the next generation, with grandchildren already developing their own love for horses through regular visits to the barn. It's a continuation of a legacy that spans generations, ensuring the knowledge and values that have made Six K's successful will endure.
The operation's most notable graduate to date is Candy Man Rocket, who commanded US$ 250,000 at the OBS Spring Sale before going on to become a multiple graded stakes winner with earnings of US$ 558,194. "He was special," Kintz recalls. "The best thing about him was his demeanour. He would go out and breeze and then come back, cool out and go lay down."
"Central Florida is a great place to train young horses. The number one reason is the weather. The winters here are very mild, and the sunshine is plenty. The infrastructure is also set up here for what we do."
This geographical advantage, coupled with specialised veterinary expertise and decades of established infrastructure, has helped Kintz develop a programme that consistently produces well-prepared athletes for international careers. His blend of generational knowledge and modern techniques at Six K's Training & Sales continues to deliver results that speak for themselves on racetracks worldwide.
As Dubai's racing ambitions continue to grow, operations like Six K's Training & Sales become increasingly vital in sourcing and developing the next generation of champions. With his three-generation legacy of horsemanship and commitment to delivering healthy and excellent horses, Kintz has established himself as a trusted bridge between American breeding excellence and Gulf racing aspirations. His outlook for the future is clear as he says optimistically, "I feel trade relations will continue to grow. We breed and raise the best dirt horses in the world, and they want to race on dirt. This will do nothing but strengthen the trade between the US and Gulf States."