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 on February 2, 2012, is a famous Thoroughbred racehorse. In 2015, he made history by winning the American Triple Crown and the Breeders' Cup Classic. This made him the first horse to achieve the "Grand Slam" of horse racing. He was named the best horse of 2015 and was added to the American Racing Hall of Fame in 2021. Throughout his racing career, he was owned by Ahmed Zayat, trained by Bob Baffert, and usually ridden by Victor Espinoza.
After a slow start in his first race, American Pharoah quickly showed his talent. He won his next two races easily. Even though an injury kept him out of a big race, he was still named the best two-year-old horse of 2014. Before his amazing 2015 season, his owner sold the rights for him to become a breeding horse later on.
In 2015, American Pharoah won several important races, including the 2015 Kentucky Derby, 2015 Preakness Stakes, and 2015 Belmont Stakes. This made him the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. He then won the Haskell Invitational and later the Breeders' Cup Classic, setting a new track record. After his incredible 2015 season, American Pharoah retired from racing to become a breeding stallion.
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About American Pharoah
American Pharoah is a bay horse, 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 a horse named Pioneerof the Nile, who also ran in the Kentucky Derby. His mother, Littleprincessemma, was bought by his owner, Ahmed Zayat.
American Pharoah was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on February 2, 2012. From a young age, he stood out because of his strong build and calm personality. When he was a yearling (a horse between one and two years old), he was put up for sale. However, his owner, Ahmed Zayat, bought him back because he believed in the horse's potential. Zayat felt American Pharoah had a special "brilliance" about him.
His trainer, Bob Baffert, noticed American Pharoah's smooth and long running style. He also had a short tail, which was likely chewed off by another horse when he was younger. American Pharoah is known for being very gentle and friendly, especially for a racehorse. He enjoys being around people and is usually very calm.
How He 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 connects to owner Ahmed Zayat's Egyptian background. The unusual spelling of "Pharoah" (instead of "Pharaoh") was an accident. Zayat's son, Justin, held a contest for fans to name the horse. The winning entry had the misspelling, and Justin copied it directly when submitting the name to the Jockey Club. Even though it's a mistake, the name is now permanent. Because of his success, the Jockey Club has made sure no other horse can be named "American Pharoah" or "American Pharaoh."
Racing Highlights
2014: Two-Year-Old Season
American Pharoah's first race was on August 9 at Del Mar Racetrack. He started as a favorite but finished fifth. His trainer, Bob Baffert, realized the horse was nervous because of a special hood he wore and the noise. For his next races, they removed the hood and put cotton in his ears to help him stay calm.
This helped a lot! On September 3, American Pharoah won the Del Mar Futurity by a lot. He took the lead early and kept it. His jockey, Victor Espinoza, said the horse was "amazing."
Later that month, he won the FrontRunner Stakes at Santa Anita Park just as easily. He led from the start and won by more than three lengths. Baffert was impressed by 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 two big wins, he was voted the best two-year-old male horse of 2014.
2015: Three-Year-Old Season
American Pharoah started his 2015 season strong. He won the Rebel Stakes on a muddy track and then the Arkansas Derby by a huge eight lengths. After these wins, people started to see him as a very special horse.
Winning the Kentucky Derby
On May 2, American Pharoah was the favorite in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. He was a bit restless before the race, but once it started, he settled in. He ran near the front with two other strong horses, Dortmund and Firing Line. In the final part of the race, American Pharoah pulled ahead to win by one length. It was a tough race, and his jockey, Victor Espinoza, said American Pharoah was an "unbelievable horse."
Preakness Stakes Victory
Two weeks after the Derby, American Pharoah raced in the 2015 Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course. The weather turned bad just before the race, with heavy rain and thunder. The track became very muddy. American Pharoah was the only horse in the race who had won on a sloppy track before.
He quickly took the lead from the start and stayed in front the whole time. He won by seven lengths, showing how strong he was in the mud. This win meant he had a chance to win the Triple Crown, something that hadn't happened in many years.
Belmont Stakes and Triple Crown History
Before the Belmont Stakes, American Pharoah traveled to Belmont Park in New York. He arrived on a special plane called "Air Horse One." The Belmont Stakes is the longest of the Triple Crown races.
On June 6, American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes, becoming the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first since 1978! He led the race from start to finish, winning by five and a half lengths. The crowd cheered loudly as he crossed the finish line, ending a 37-year wait for a Triple Crown champion. His trainer, Bob Baffert, said, "This little horse deserves it... He's a joy to be around."
Haskell Stakes Win
After winning the Triple Crown, American Pharoah rested and then returned to racing in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on August 2. Many fans came to see him. He won this race easily, leading by more than two lengths. His jockey said he was "having fun," and Baffert called him a "great horse."
Travers Stakes Defeat
American Pharoah's next race was the Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on August 29. This track is sometimes called 'The Graveyard of Champions' because many famous horses have lost there. American Pharoah faced tough competition.
He led for most of the race, but another horse named Frosted challenged him closely. In the end, another horse, Keen Ice, came from behind to pass American Pharoah just before the finish line. American Pharoah lost by three-quarters of a length, ending his eight-race winning streak. His trainer, Bob Baffert, said he was "valiant in defeat" and proud of his effort.
Breeders' Cup Classic and Grand Slam
American Pharoah's final race was the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland on October 31. This was the first time he raced against older, more experienced horses. He led from start to finish and won by six and a half lengths, setting a new track record!
By winning the Breeders' Cup Classic after the Triple Crown, American Pharoah became the first horse in history to achieve the "Grand Slam" of horse racing. This amazing win sealed his place as one of the greatest racehorses ever. He finished 2015 with over $8.2 million in earnings, a record for a single season.
Awards and Recognition
American Pharoah's amazing year was named the top sports story of 2015 by the Associated Press. He won many awards, including:
- American Horse of the Year (unanimous choice)
- American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse
- Secretariat Vox Populi Award
- His Belmont win was named the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Moment of the Year.
His owner, Ahmed Zayat, and trainer, Bob Baffert, also won top awards in horse racing.
Racing Record
| 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 |
Retirement and Breeding Career
After his amazing racing career, American Pharoah retired to become a breeding stallion. This means he now helps create the next generation of racehorses. His breeding rights were sold to Ashford Stud, a famous horse farm in Kentucky. He lives in a stall that was once used by another famous horse.
American Pharoah began breeding mares in February 2016. He is known for keeping his kind and gentle personality even as a breeding stallion. His first foal (baby horse) was born in January 2017. People said the foal had his father's calm but bold personality.
American Pharoah's offspring (his children) have been very successful.
- In 2019, Monarch of Egypt became his first winner in Ireland.
- Maven was his first winner in North America.
- Four Wheel Drive won a big race at the Breeders' Cup in 2019.
- Harvey's Lil Goil became his first Grade 1 winner in the U.S. in 2020.
- Van Gogh won a top race in Europe in 2020.
- Cafe Pharoah won a Grade 1 race in Japan in 2021.
- In Australia, his son Riff Rocket won three major races in 2024, including two important Derby races.
American Pharoah also traveled to Australia for part of the year to breed mares there. As of 2024, he continues to live and work at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
Notable Offspring
Here are some of American Pharoah's most famous children:
| Foaled | Name | Dam | 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 amazing achievements have been recognized in many ways:
- In 2018, a life-sized bronze statue of American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza was placed at the Oaklawn racetrack in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The statue perfectly captures his powerful look.
- In 2021, American Pharoah was inducted into the U.S. Horse Racing Hall of Fame, a huge honor for a racehorse.
Images for kids
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American Pharoah after winning the 2015 Preakness Stakes
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American Pharoah led throughout the 2015 Preakness, which was run on a very sloppy track.
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American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes to become the 12th winner of the US Triple Crown.
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American Pharoah led Frosted for much of the run in the Travers Stakes.
