This past Saturday at Keeneland, one very special horse made history yet again. In his final race, American Pharoah became the first horse to win the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup Classic one and quarter mile race, or the “Grand Slam.” Like his other races, it was incredible to watch. He smoked everyone else. He got an early lead, and it was apparent that he would not lose it. In typical American Pharoah fashion, he seemed to not even be trying all that hard until he came through the last turn and shot forward, winning by six and half lengths. He even set a track record of 2:00.07. If you were not able to watch it, Breeders’ Cup World Championships posted a video on YouTube.

What a way to end a phenomenal career. American Pharoah is now retired to stud at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky, where he “will be the first Triple Crown winner to stand at stud since Affirmed was retired in 1979, and the first available to breeders since Seattle Slew died in 2002 (Novak, American Pharoah Retires to Ashford).” Several years ago, when I was in Kentucky for a horse show, my dad and I toured Ashford Stud. It is a fabulous facility; the horses definitely live very well.

Although I am a little sad that I will not be able to see American Pharoah race again – for he is like no horse I have ever seen – I am very glad to see that his owners and trainer chose to retire him while he is still healthy and happy. And who knows, perhaps some of his offspring will follow in his hoof steps to be Grand Slam winners themselves!

Sources:

American Pharoah Retires to Ashford by Claire Novak, Blood Horse, November 2, 2015.

Breeders’ Cup World Championships YouTube video, 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic, October 31, 2015.

Keeneland’s Instagram Page @keeneland