VERSAILLES, Ky. — The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of horse racing’s momentous Triple Crown. Only 13 horses have won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, two of which are still living in the Bluegrass State.
The last two Triple Crown winners, American Pharoah and Justify, now spend their days at Ashford Stud in Versailles. The farm owned by Coolmore America is breeding the next generation of racehorses and perhaps the next Triple Crown winner.
Adrian Mansergh Wallace, who is in nomination sales for Coolmore America, said it’s an honor to stand both American Pharoah and Justify at Ashford Stud.
“These two horses have sired numerous Grade 1 winners around the world,” Wallace said.
These days, the daily routine is much different for the two Hall of Fame thoroughbreds, American Pharoah and Justify.
“While we try to keep them fit, they’re not kept to the level of fitness they’d be at the racetrack, but we do exercise them every day,” Wallace said. “They go out in their paddocks and have plenty of free time. Then at certain times of day, they’ll breed the mares that are on the book and come to them to be bred.”
Wallace said American Pharoah has sired nine Grade 1 winners and Justify has sired seven Grade 1 winners. In 2015, American Pharoah became the first triple crown winner in 37 years before Justify made history three years later.
“Winning the Triple Crown is akin to winning the Super Bowl,” Wallace said. “It’s like being in the Hall of Fame. It’s the highest achievement you can have in thoroughbred racing. It’s very, very hard to do.”
Wallace said three things make a good stallion: pedigree, race record and overall physique. These two horses have coveted bloodlines.
“These horses have international appeal,” Wallace said. “They attract international breeders to Kentucky with their mares and their resulting progeny. Their foals and yearlings get sold around the world to represent the United States on the world stage.”
With Derby 151 right around the corner, Wallace said now is the time for Kentucky to shine.
“It’s the pinnacle of our sport,” Wallace said. “The first Saturday in May is what it all leads up to. All the farms around central Kentucky are gearing up for it. The mares are foaling; they’re being bred back.”
Both horses have sired runners in this year’s Kentucky Derby. American Pharoah could have two offspring in the Derby with Luxor Café and Publisher. Justify will be represented by American Promise, the winner of the Virginia Derby.
