American Pharoah is the most legendary living race horse. After winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 2015 (known as the Triple Crown) as well as the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this impressive thoroughbred has been busy. At Mint Julep, we often get calls from horse racing fans wanting to know how they can see the famous horse.
Here’s an overview of how you can see him, where he’s been, and what to expect next.
About American Pharoah
Standing 16.1 1/2 hands high, this bay by Pioneerof The Nile and Littleprincessemma was the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. He was bred and owned throughout his career by Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables and trained by renown horseman Bob Baffert.
Born on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, 2012, in Lexington, Kentucky, the gentle horse with a distinctly long stride impressed from the beginning. His pedigree gave him the speed and stamina needed for the most challenging of horse races. The 2015 Horse of the Year won nearly $9,000,000 during his racing career over the course of 9 races. He retired to stud at 3 years old, at the conclusion of his 2015 racing year.
Farm Visits
American Pharoah currently stands at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, as of April 2018. Ireland’s Coolmore Stud bought the breeding rights to American Pharoah before his Triple Crown win. He was shipped to Ashford Stud in November 2015 where he has stood for most of the last 2.5 years. He spent some time at Coolmore Australia for the southern hemisphere’s breeding season from July to December 2017 covering 150 mares. He will return to Australia in mid-June 2018 through the end of the year.
With an initial stud fee of $200,000, American Pharoah officially began breeding mares in February 2016. It was the second-highest in the U.S. behind Tapit, a proven stud. Within the first two months of his breeding career, American Pharoah had nearly 80 mares in foal after approximately 100 breeding sessions.
American Pharoah’s calm demeanor often means he’s ready and willing to take photos with adoring fans. Ashford Stud offers farm tours typically include seeing American Pharoah and Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. No guarantee can be made on any tour. Each tour depends on the health and welfare of the horses.
The best way to visit American Pharoah is through one of Mint Julep’s customized tours. You’ll privately with your group to your choice of horse farms, bourbon distilleries and Kentucky destinations. No walk-up tours are available. Tickets will be purchased in advance by your Mint Julep experience coordinator.
Fellow Triple Crown winner Justify is also at Ashford Stud Farm as of September 2018! So your tour could potentially include both horses if available. American Pharoah will not return to Ashford until December 2018.
Foals and Mares
The first of the American Pharoah foals, a bay colt, was born in January 2017 out of four-year-old Tizway mare, Kakadu. Soon after, Untouched Talent produced a filly.
In November 2017, the American Pharoah-Untouched Talent filly sold for $1 millon at Fasig-Tipton at Keeneland. The average sale price for the five weanlings at the sale was $475,000. This means the first American Pharoah foals you will see on the race track will likely start in the 2019 race season.
Again in January 2018, a yearling colt by the Triple Crown winner sold for $1 million. It was the third highest yearling colt price in January Sale history. Another foal by American Pharoah fetched $400,000.
Exhibits and Memorabilia
The Kentucky Derby Museum includes a permanent exhibit celebrating American Pharoah. The display includes the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic trophy and 2015 Horse of the Year Eclipse Award.
Other items include bit, saddle, bridle and reins worn by American Pharoah in famous horse races. Silks and helmet from jockey Victor Espinoza and a halter used by Pioneerof the Nile can also be seen.
The American Pharoah exhibit is included in the general admission experience at the Derby Museum.
Many Mint Julep groups choose to include the museum on their custom tour. Pair it with visiting horse farms or iconic Kentucky race tracks.