Phantom Fireworks Joins Ownership of Two Racehorses
Youngstown-based Phantom Fireworks has secured ownership stakes in the champion horses The Puma and Facteur Cheval.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Equestrian
Phantom Fireworks and the Zoldan family have joined the ownership group for the 3-year-old horse The Puma and the 7-year-old Facteur Cheval. These horses are slated to compete in the upcoming 2026 Breeders' Cup.
Why it matters
The partnership continues the Zoldan family's long-standing involvement in elite horse racing, building on a history of success in major thoroughbred events.
The horses include the 3-year-old The Puma and the 7-year-old Facteur Cheval. Bruce Zoldan previously served as a partner in the ownership group for the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, Animal Kingdom.
The players
Phantom Fireworks
This Youngstown-based company is a major national distributor of consumer fireworks.
The Puma
This 3-year-old racehorse is a top-tier competitor in the 2026 thoroughbred racing season.
Facteur Cheval
This 7-year-old thoroughbred is an accomplished racehorse slated for the 2026 Breeders' Cup.
Bruce Zoldan
He is a prominent business executive who has been involved in high-stakes thoroughbred ownership for over a decade.
The details
The Zoldan family, which bases its Phantom Fireworks operations in Youngstown, previously sponsored The Puma for the 2026 Kentucky Derby. The expansion into a formal ownership stake for both horses signals an increased investment in the competitive equestrian circuit.
Timeline
2011: Bruce Zoldan serves as a partner for the Kentucky Derby winner.
2026: The Zoldan family sponsors The Puma in the Kentucky Derby.
2026: The Puma and Facteur Cheval compete in the Breeders' Cup.
Season Trajectory
This ownership expansion follows the pattern set by the 2011 Kentucky Derby win by Animal Kingdom in cementing a business leader's legacy in equestrian sports. The move directly bolsters the team's presence in the 2026 Breeders' Cup lineup.
Fans and handicappers should track these two horses for the upcoming 2026 Breeders' Cup event. The change in ownership structure may influence betting lines as the horses enter the field for the season's final major races.
The takeaway
Investment in thoroughbred racing remains a high-profile venture for corporate leaders aiming for major event titles. Understanding the stable's ownership backing provides valuable context for those following the odds in championship races.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Equestrian community.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBN.
