American Pharoah facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American Pharoah |
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American Pharoah after winning the 2015 Preakness Stakes
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| Sire | Pioneerof the Nile |
| Grandsire | Empire Maker |
| Dam | Littleprincessemma |
| Damsire | Yankee Gentleman |
| Sex | Stallion |
| Foaled | February 2, 2012 Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Country | United States |
| Color | Bay |
| Breeder | Ahmed Zayat |
| Owner | Ahmed Zayat |
| Trainer | Bob Baffert |
| Record | 11: 9–1–0 |
| Earnings | US $8,650,300 |
| Major wins | |
| Del Mar Futurity (2014) FrontRunner Stakes (2014) Rebel Stakes (2015) Arkansas Derby (2015) Haskell Invitational (2015) Breeders' Cup wins: Triple Crown race wins: |
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| Awards | |
| 12th U.S. Triple Crown Champion (2015) 1st Grand Slam Champion (2015) American Champion Two-Year-Old Male Horse (2014) American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse (2015) American Horse of the Year (2015) |
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| Honors | |
| NTRA "Moment of the Year" (2015) Secretariat Vox Populi Award (2015) IFHA World's Best Racehorse (2015) American Pharoah Way in Fayette and Woodford counties, Kentucky Statue at Oaklawn Park American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita Park United States Racing Hall of Fame (2021) |
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American Pharoah (born February 2, 2012) is a famous Thoroughbred racehorse. In 2015, he achieved something amazing: he won the American Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup Classic. He was the 12th horse in history to win the Triple Crown. By winning all four of these big races, he became the first horse to win the modern Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing.
American Pharoah was named the best horse of 2015, winning the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year. In 2021, he was added to the American Racing Hall of Fame. He was owned by Ahmed Zayat of Zayat Stables, trained by Bob Baffert, and usually ridden by Victor Espinoza.
When he was two years old, American Pharoah didn't do well in his first race. But then he won his next two races, the Del Mar Futurity and FrontRunner Stakes, by a lot! Even though an injury kept him out of a big race called the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he was still voted the best two-year-old horse in 2014. Before his amazing 2015 season, his owner sold the rights for him to become a breeding horse later on. But the owner still controlled his racing career.
In 2015, American Pharoah started strong with wins in the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby. Then came the Triple Crown races: the 2015 Kentucky Derby, 2015 Preakness Stakes, and the 2015 Belmont Stakes. He won the Belmont Stakes by leading the whole way, becoming the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. His winning time was the second fastest for a Triple Crown winner. After that, he won the Haskell Invitational easily. He then came in second in a tough race called the Travers Stakes, which ended his eight-race winning streak. After a break, he won the Breeders' Cup Classic, beating older horses for the first time and setting a new track record.
After his incredible 2015 racing year, American Pharoah retired from racing. He now lives at Ashford Stud in Kentucky, where he is a breeding stallion.
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About American Pharoah
American Pharoah is a bay stallion, which means he has a reddish-brown body and a black mane and tail. He has a small white mark on his forehead. His father was Pioneerof the Nile, who came in second in the 2009 Kentucky Derby. His mother was Littleprincessemma.
American Pharoah was born on February 2, 2012, in Lexington, Kentucky. When he was a young horse, he was known for his good looks and calm personality. At a sale when he was a yearling (a one-year-old horse), his owner, Ahmed Zayat, bought him back. Zayat didn't want to sell him for less than $1 million, and he believed the horse was very special.
Trainer Bob Baffert noticed American Pharoah's smooth and long running style. He said, "I've never had a horse that moves or travels over the ground like he does." American Pharoah also had a short tail because another horse apparently chewed it off!
What makes American Pharoah truly special is his gentle nature. He seems to like people and is very calm for a young racehorse. Baffert said, "Horses of his caliber are not that nice and sweet. They're just sort of tough. [American Pharoah]'s just so different than any horse I've ever had."
How American Pharoah Got His Name
American Pharoah's name was inspired by his father, Pioneerof the Nile, and his mother's father, Yankee Gentleman. The name also honors owner Ahmed Zayat's Egyptian-American background.
The interesting thing is that "Pharoah" is actually misspelled! It should be "Pharaoh." At first, Zayat thought the Jockey Club made the mistake. But the Jockey Club said they registered the name exactly as it was given to them.
Later, Zayat's wife explained that their son, Justin, held a contest online for fans to name the horse. The person who won misspelled "Pharaoh" in their entry. Justin copied and pasted the name, sending it to the Jockey Club without noticing the mistake. Justin Zayat later took responsibility for the error.
Because American Pharoah became so famous, the Jockey Club has now made sure that no other horse can be named "American Pharoah" or "American Pharaoh." This way, his unique name is protected.
American Pharoah's Racing Journey
Two-Year-Old Season (2014)
American Pharoah's first race was on August 9. He was a favorite to win, but he got nervous before the race and finished fifth. His trainer, Bob Baffert, realized the horse was anxious. So, for his next races, Baffert removed a special hood and put cotton in his ears to help him stay calm.
This helped a lot! In his next race, the Del Mar Futurity, American Pharoah took the lead right away and won by almost five lengths. His jockey, Victor Espinoza, rode him for the first time in this race. Baffert was very happy, saying, "Today, he behaved himself and showed what he could do."
On September 27, he won the FrontRunner Stakes easily. Espinoza said American Pharoah had a "high cruising speed" and a "long stride." Baffert noted how much the horse's behavior had improved.
American Pharoah was supposed to race in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, but he got a foot injury and couldn't run. Even so, because of his strong wins, he was voted the American Champion Two-Year-Old Male Horse for 2014.
Three-Year-Old Season (2015)
American Pharoah started his three-year-old season with two more wins: the Rebel Stakes and the Arkansas Derby. In both races, he won by many lengths, showing how powerful he was. After the Arkansas Derby, his trainer Bob Baffert said, "He's a good horse and he keeps moving forward."
Winning the Kentucky Derby
On May 2, American Pharoah was the favorite in the 2015 Kentucky Derby. Before the race, he got a bit upset because of the huge crowd. But once the race started, he settled down.
He ran in third place for most of the race, right behind two other strong horses, Dortmund and Firing Line. As they turned for home, American Pharoah moved to the outside and took the lead. He won by one length! Victor Espinoza, his jockey, said, "He has a lot of talent and is an unbelievable horse."
Conquering the Preakness Stakes
Just two weeks after the Derby, American Pharoah raced in the 2015 Preakness Stakes. It started pouring rain with thunder right before the race, making the track very muddy. But American Pharoah had won in similar conditions before.
He quickly took the lead from the start and stayed there. He won by a huge seven lengths! Espinoza didn't even need to use his whip. This win meant American Pharoah was now just one race away from winning the Triple Crown.
Achieving the Triple Crown at the Belmont Stakes
The final and toughest race of the Triple Crown was the 2015 Belmont Stakes, a very long race. Many people wondered if American Pharoah could do it, as no horse had won the Triple Crown since 1978.
On June 6, American Pharoah started the race a little late from the gate, but he quickly moved to the front. He led the entire race, pulling further and further ahead. He won the Belmont Stakes by five and a half lengths! The crowd roared as he crossed the finish line, becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner in history.
Bob Baffert said, "This little horse deserves it." Owner Ahmed Zayat said that American Pharoah would continue racing as long as he was healthy. The next morning, American Pharoah was tired but fine. Baffert even let the media pet the horse, showing how calm and friendly he was. Millions of people watched his historic win on TV.
Haskell Stakes Victory
After his Triple Crown win, American Pharoah rested. Then, on August 2, he raced in the Haskell Invitational in New Jersey. His owner wanted him to race in his home state and against other three-year-olds.
Over 60,000 people came to see him! American Pharoah took the lead and won easily by two and a quarter lengths. Espinoza joked, "He was having fun, and so was I."
Travers Stakes Challenge
American Pharoah's next race was the Travers Stakes on August 29. This track, Saratoga, is sometimes called 'The Graveyard of Champions' because many famous horses have been defeated there.
American Pharoah led for most of the race, but he was challenged hard by another horse named Frosted. They bumped several times. Then, another horse, Keen Ice, came up on the outside and passed American Pharoah near the finish line. American Pharoah finished second, ending his winning streak.
After the race, Espinoza thought the long travel might have tired him. Baffert was still proud of his horse's effort. Even though some thought American Pharoah might retire, his owner decided to keep him racing for one more big event.
Breeders' Cup Classic Win
On October 31, American Pharoah raced in the Breeders' Cup Classic. This was a huge race because he was racing against older, more experienced horses for the first time. He also had a chance to make history by winning the "Grand Slam" – the Triple Crown plus the Breeders' Cup Classic.
American Pharoah led from start to finish and won by six and a half lengths! He also set a new track record. This victory made him the first horse ever to win the Grand Slam. It cemented his place as one of the greatest racehorses of all time.
In 2015, American Pharoah set a new record for the most money won in a single racing season, earning over $8.2 million. His total career earnings were over $8.6 million. He was also ranked the number one horse in the world for 2015.
Awards and Honors
American Pharoah's amazing year was named the top sports story of 2015. He won many awards, including:
- American Horse of the Year (everyone voted for him!)
- American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse
- The Secretariat Vox Populi Award, which is given to the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best connected with the public.
- His Belmont win was named the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year.
American Pharoah's Race Record
Here is a summary of American Pharoah's races:
| Date | Age | Distance * | Race | Grade | Track | Odds | Time | Field | Finish | Margin | Jockey | Trainer | Owner | Ref |
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| Aug 9, 2014 | 2 | 6+1⁄2 furlongs | Maiden Special Weight | Maiden | Del Mar | 1.40 | 1:15.75 | 10 | 5 | (9+1⁄4 lengths) | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Sep 3, 2014 | 2 | 7 furlongs | Del Mar Futurity | I | Del Mar | 3.20 | 1:21.48 | 9 | 1 | 4+3⁄4 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Sep 27, 2014 | 2 | 8+1⁄2 furlongs | FrontRunner Stakes | I | Santa Anita | 0.50 | 1:41.95 | 10 | 1 | 3+1⁄4 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Mar 14, 2015 | 3 | 8+1⁄2 furlongs | Rebel Stakes | II | Oaklawn | 0.40 | 1:45.78 | 7 | 1 | 6+1⁄4 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Apr 11, 2015 | 3 | 9 furlongs | Arkansas Derby | I | Oaklawn | 0.10 | 1:48.52 | 8 | 1 | 8 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| May 2, 2015 | 3 | 10 furlongs | Kentucky Derby | I | Churchill Downs | 2.90 | 2:03.02 | 18 | 1 | 1 length | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| May 16, 2015 | 3 | 9+1⁄2 furlongs | Preakness Stakes | I | Pimlico | 0.90 | 1:58.46 | 8 | 1 | 7 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Jun 6, 2015 | 3 | 12 furlongs | Belmont Stakes | I | Belmont Park | 0.75 | 2:26.65 | 8 | 1 | 5+1⁄2 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Aug 2, 2015 | 3 | 9 furlongs | Haskell Invitational | I | Monmouth Park | 0.10 | 1:47.95 | 7 | 1 | 2+1⁄4 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Aug 29, 2015 | 3 | 10 furlongs | Travers Stakes | I | Saratoga | 0.35 | 2:01.57 | 10 | 2 | (3⁄4 lengths) | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables | |
| Oct 31, 2015 | 3 | 10 furlongs | Breeders' Cup Classic | I | Keeneland | 0.70 | 2:00.07 | 8 | 1 | 6+1⁄2 lengths | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert | Zayat Stables |
| Furlongs | Miles | Meters |
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| 6+1⁄2 | 13⁄16 | 1,308 |
| 7 | 7⁄8 | 1,408 |
| 8 | 1 | 1,609 |
| 8+1⁄2 | 1+1⁄16 | 1,710 |
| 9 | 1+1⁄8 | 1,811 |
| 9+1⁄2 | 1+3⁄16 | 1,911 |
| 10 | 1+1⁄4 | 2,012 |
| 12 | 1+1⁄2 | 2,414 |
Life After Racing: Retirement
After his amazing racing career, American Pharoah retired on November 2, 2015. He moved to Ashford Stud in Kentucky. This is where he began his new job as a breeding stallion.
Before he won the Triple Crown, his owner had already sold the rights for him to become a breeding horse. This meant that after his racing days were over, he would help create future champions. His initial breeding fee was set at $200,000, which was one of the highest in the United States.
Stud Career: American Pharoah's Offspring
American Pharoah officially started breeding mares in February 2016. He was known for keeping his kind personality even as a breeding stallion.
His first foal (baby horse) was born on January 3, 2017. It was a bay colt (male horse) that was said to have his father's calm and bold personality. His first filly (female horse) was born soon after.
American Pharoah's first baby horses sold for a lot of money at auctions. People who bought them said that his offspring moved very efficiently, just like him.
In April 2019, Monarch of Egypt became American Pharoah's first winner in a race. Soon after, Maven became his first winner in North America. Maven then won a big race in Europe, making him American Pharoah's first stakes winner.
American Pharoah's children have continued to win big races around the world. For example, Harvey's Lil Goil won a Grade I race in 2020. Van Gogh won a Group 1 race in Europe, and Cafe Pharoah won a Grade 1 race in Japan in 2021.
From 2017 to 2021, American Pharoah also traveled to Australia for their breeding season. His son, Riff Rocket, won three Group 1 races in Australia in 2024, including two very long and important races.
As of 2024, American Pharoah still lives at Ashford Stud in Kentucky. His breeding fee is $50,000.
Notable Offspring
Here are some of American Pharoah's most famous children:
| Born | Name | Mother | Sex | Major Wins |
| 2017 | As Time Goes By | Take Charge Lady | f | Beholder Mile Stakes |
| 2017 | American Theorem | Mighty Renee | c | Bing Crosby Stakes |
| 2017 | Cafe Pharoah | Mary's Follies | c | February Stakes (twice) |
| 2017 | Harvey's Lil Goil | Gloria S | f | Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes |
| 2018 | Van Gogh | Imagine | c | Critérium International |
| 2019 | Above The Curve | Fabulous | f | Prix Saint-Alary |
| 2019 | Marketsegmentation | Lonelily | f | New York Stakes |
| 2020 | Riff Rocket | Missile Coda | g | Victoria Derby, Rosehill Guineas, Australian Derby |
| 2021 | Goldrush Guru | Glam Guru | c | Victoria Derby |
Legacy and Honors
American Pharoah's impact on horse racing is huge. In 2016, a sculptor named James Peniston was asked to create a life-sized bronze statue of American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza. The statue was put up at the Oaklawn racetrack in Arkansas in 2018. It shows American Pharoah in full stride, looking just like he did when he was racing.
In 2021, American Pharoah was officially inducted into the US Horse Racing Hall of Fame. This is a very high honor for a racehorse.
See also
- List of racehorses
