American Pharoah also winner at stud
Bob Baffert briefly broke from focus of Justify’s Triple Crown bid to visit a horse who lives in Versailles, Ky.
With history on the line this week at Belmont Park, the trainer went last week to see the champion of his champions. Baffert was greeted by American Pharoah, who, according to Ashford Stud general manager Dermot Ryan, continues breeding in stride, another successful leg in the life of a Thoroughbred legend.
“His personality hasn’t changed whatsoever,” Ryan said. “He is still the same friendly, gentle, kind horse that he was when he was with Bob.”
With Bafftert training and Victor Espinoza aboard, American Pharoah finished three years ago what Justify will attempt Saturday at the 11⁄2-mile-long Belmont Stakes race in Elmont, N.Y. He hasn’t stopped winning. Since February 2016, American Pharoah’s breeding career has been plentiful and prosperous. He bred about 180 mares, some from the USA, Europe, Australia and Japan, last year, Ryan said, and will probably end up covering the same amount this year. The initial stud fee was $200,000 but the price is now kept private.
His oldest crop are yearlings, two of which — a colt out of mare Mekko Hokte and a filly out of Untouched Talent — each sold for $1 million at public auction.
We will see American Pharoah’s first runners on the track next year, “which is hugely exciting,” according to Ryan.
Baffert is a familiar face at the farm that sits on 2,000 acres. He visits often, and he’s not alone. Ryan estimated over 10,000 people have ventured to Ashford Stud to see American Pharoah, who is paraded in front of a statue of sire Giant’s Causeway for onlookers who take the 3 p.m. tour Monday through Friday.
“It is a privilege for us to be able to give his fans a glimpse into the life he now leads as a stallion,” Ryan said. “Having him here has also raised a lot of money to support the local community and charities, both equine and human.
“Pharoah is a real professional in every aspect of his life, and we are extremely fortunate to have him here at Ashford for this phase of his career.”