The Triple Crown Bids Farewell to Arrogate
The Triple Crown Bids Farewell to Arrogate
By Steve Haskin
The 2024 Triple Crown will be remembered in a number of ways, both positive and negative. There was the huge success of running the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, the closest three-horse photo in the history of the Kentucky Derby, Wayne Lukas winning the Preakness at age 88, and Kenny McPeek pulling off the rare Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby double. You also had horses lugging in or lugging out with the race on the line, a number of bumping incidents, a controversial ride at the end of the Derby, and one horse earning the fastest Thoro-Graph number in both the Derby and Belmont and losing both.
But there is one other aspect of this year’s Triple Crown that I found sad in so many ways and might have been overlooked by most people. After siring Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath in his first crop in 2022, Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo in his second crop in 2023, and Preakness winner Seize the Grey in his third crop in 2024, Arrogate’s name will never again be seen as the sire of a classic winner. One of the most spectacular horses in many years, who put together as remarkable a four-race winning streak as anyone had ever seen, died in 2020 at the age of 7 after siring only those three crops. He seemed on the verge of having another classic contender in 2022 when his son Cave Rock won the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity in stakes-record time and American Pharoah Stakes, both races by more than five lengths. He ended the year with a strong second to eventual Derby favorite Forte in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. While preparing for the Derby trail he was sidelined with a hernia and that August had to be euthanized after developing laminitis.
As great as Arrogate’s loss was for owner and breeder Juddmonte Farms and the entire racing world, we have since discovered by his immediate success as a stallion the light that was extinguished so prematurely was even more radiant than anyone could have imagined.
Arrogate first came to public consciousness much like the proverbial tornado that formed unexpectedly. A storm is not measured by how long it lasts as much as how powerful it is. In 2016 at the Travers Stakes, Arrogate blew through the historic race at Saratoga with such power and intensity it left everyone in awe at what they had just seen and felt. And it came unexpectedly, with Arrogate going off at odds of 11-1, which is extremely unusual for a Bob Baffert-trained horse.
But little did we know that we would be witnessing greatness. In this day and age when greatness is so fleeting we can only measure it by how it affects us on a personal level; just like our children are great when they recite the alphabet for the first time, and like an actor on stage is great when he or she bring us to tears, even if it is the only role they will ever play. Arrogate would stir our emotions three more times and had us using the word great each time, culminating with a performance in the 2017 Dubai World Cup that took greatness to another level. But the racing gods, as they say, giveth and taketh away, and it had to be cruel for racing fans to witness this jaw-dropping victory that brought the son of Unbridled’s Song right to the gates of the pantheon only to have them close abruptly.
Many can only speculate what happened to turn this would-be racing legend into a mere mortal in his subsequent three races at Del Mar following the World Cup when he inexplicably lost the San Diego Handicap, Pacific Classic, and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
A number of experts and analysts and some top local horsemen said they did not like the way he was moving as the summer season progressed, specifically the way he was pushing off from behind, when he turned in a couple of subpar works in addition to his defeats. But in racing, observations and opinions come easily when there are no concrete explanations.
Perhaps his trainer Bob Baffert came closest to an explanation at the time when he said, “He lost a lot of weight after Dubai, especially over his withers, which caused him to lose some of his power.”
Now, years later, Garrett O’Rourke, manager of Juddmonte Farms in North America, offered his take: “He seemed fine at Del Mar and everything veterinary-wise checked out clean. But when we retired him he did have a funny twisting action behind that our stallion nominations manager called ‘squishing a bug,’ He had galloped and raced sound, but after three months off when he retired to stud, his action was gone, so maybe something was pinching him.”
Coincidental or not, Arrogate died after a battle with an apparent neurological illness, the cause of which is still undetermined, as stated in the official report.
Whatever the reason for his loss of form at Del Mar, it was obvious this was not the same horse who had earned a staggering $17 million spanning his four previous races. Perhaps the saddest moment for his fans was his final career start losing the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Classic, then seeing him gallop out after the finish several lengths ahead of everyone, making up the 6 1/4 lengths he was beaten and then continuing to open up after the race had been decided. It was as if he was still trying to be Arrogate even though he was unable to for whatever reason.
But this is about Arrogate’s historic climb to racing’s highest peak, not the descent.
Samson lost his power, but he still is remembered for his incredible feats of strength. And what feats of strength and versatility we witnessed from Arrogate. As mentioned earlier Arrogate began his 4-race streak in August winning the Travers Stakes on the lead in a 13-horse field, shattering a 37-year-old track record, while romping by 13 1/2 lengths in a spectacular 1:59 1/5. He trained up to the November Breeder’s Cup Classic, then won stalking from just off the pace running down a loose on the lead two-time Horse of the Year and future Hall of Famer California Chrome, who looked like a sure winner in the stretch. In late January, he followed that victory with another stalking trip in the rich Pegasus World Cup, breaking a track record in the process. And eight weeks later in March he won coming from dead-last in a 14-horse field in the Dubai World Cup after a horrible start, turning in one of the most unbelievable performances anyone had ever seen, while blowing by future Horse of the Year and Hall of Famer Gun Runner to win going away.
To further demonstrate the enormity of his achievements, in only those four races Arrogate defeated:
2 Hall of Famers
The winners of three Horse of the Year titles
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place finishers of the Kentucky Derby
2 Preakness winners
The 1st and 2nd place finishers of the Belmont Stakes
The 1st and 2nd place finishers of the Dubai World Cup
2 Santa Anita Handicap winners
2 UAE Derby winners
2 Clark Handicap winners
And the winners of the Pacific Classic, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Travers Stakes, Met Mile, Whitney Stakes, Woodward Stakes, Stephen Foster, Cigar Mile, Haskell Invitational, and Queens Plate, as well as:
2 group I winners in Japan
2 group I winners in Dubai
A group I winner in Argentina and Chile
A group winner in England and Turkey
And he defeated the majority of those horses by double-digit margins. In his three stakes victories in the United States alone, Arrogate defeated Grade I winners Keen Ice (Travers) by 11 and 11 1/4 lengths, Hoppertunity (Jockey Club Gold Cup) by 11 1/2 lengths, Noble Bird (Stephen Foster) by 14 1/4 lengths, Gun Runner (Clark Handicap) by 15 lengths, Melatonin (Santa Anita Handicap and Gold Cup) by 15 3/4 lengths, Frosted (Met Mile and Whitney) by 19 1/4 lengths, Connect (Cigar Mile) by 21 3/4 lengths, Creator (Belmont Stakes) by 21 3/4 lengths, Effinex (Clark Handicap) by 24 lengths, and Exaggerator (Preakness, Santa Anita Derby, and Haskell) by 33 lengths. And that doesn’t include California Chrome (29 1/2 lengths), because we have no idea what caused his dismal effort in the Pegasus.
In his four stakes victories, at four different tracks and two countries, Arrogate ran Beyer speed figures of 122, 120, 119, and 115, broke two track records, including the aforementioned 37-year-old record at Saratoga, and earned a 141 Timeform figure, the highest Timeform figure in the 25 years since it began rating horses in North America. After running a “4” Thoro-Graph number in three straight races prior to the Travers he went through a Superman transformation, running a negative-4 3/4, negative-5, negative-5, and negative-5 1/4 in his next four races. Finally, to demonstrate the immediate impact he made, not only on racing in the United States, but the entire world, after only two stakes appearances he was voted the Longines World’s Best Racehorse of 2016
Was there anything this horse couldn’t do? Was there any adversity he couldn’t overcome? Was there any horse he couldn’t beat? His ground-devouring stride carried him to victories that are right up there with the all-time greats. With each race his presence loomed larger and larger and the superlatives grew stronger and stronger.
As he continued his amazing run of Herculean feats, were we — the fans and media — being unfaithful to American Pharoah by canonizing his successor to the degree many did just one year after Pharoah’s Triple Crown sweep? And it’s not easy to leave racing fans awestruck the year after they witnessed the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. But Arrogate wasn’t merely riding on the tail of a comet; he was blazing his own path across the sky.
Arrogate had reached a point in his career after the Dubai World Cup where he could not afford to lose, because the mystique surrounding him and his perceived invincibility had grown to such a level, nothing short of perfection would suffice.
In simple terms, he could not afford to appear mortal. That is how high he had set the bar. And that is the reverence in which we should still hold him.
I had the privilege to visit Arrogate twice at Juddmonte and there was a magnificence about him that is difficult to put into words. You didn’t just see Arrogate, you felt him.
In some ways Arrogate’s racing career will remain an enigma with questions left unanswered. But overall he will be remembered as a phenomenon, unlike anything we had ever seen before in such a short period of time, and who was destined to become one of our great sires.
Garrett O’Rourke said the date of Arrogate’s death will be “etched in my memory.” But for the rest of us it was those four races from August 27, 2016 to March 25, 2017, that will be etched in our memory. Like with Secretariat, it was something we had never seen before, and showed us just what amazing and unimaginable new feats the Thoroughbred is capable of performing.
This year’s Triple Crown may very well have been merely a preface for the emergence of future stars, but for the industry as a whole it was the final chapter of a story far more profound.
Photos courtesy of Steve Haskin, Adam Coglianese – New York Racing Association
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Hi Steve! I also had the privilege of visiting him twice at Juddmonte. And I grew to like him a lot even though I had put my money on California Chrome in the Classic. It was just my girlfriend and I the first time I met him. She had betted on him in the Breeders Cup Classic and he was by far her favorite horse. She was star struck when she met him and he was very gracious and patient with her. When it was my turn to get close to him, he didn’t want anything to do with me! As if he knew I had wagered against him! I was never able to get close to him. He just kept walking away.
The second visit was with a bigger group…and when he saw us, he put on a show. Rearing up and walking on his hind legs at least three times. When the groom calmed him down, he made him walk in a circle and Arrogate kept looking at us as if to say, you bet your ass that’s who I am!
I was very saddened when I found out that he was in some kind of distress and crushed when I knew he died. What a loss in every way. I cherish those memories with him and I’m comforted in the quality of life that he had and by knowing that he absolutely knew how great he was.
Condolences to the staff at Coolmore on the passing of Tale Of The Cat at age 30.
He was one of the most beautiful stallions.
I don’t see strength in this crop…Bob has had many setbacks, no telling what will become of Nysos and Maymun….Muth has not trained much….that’s three good ones….Bob has had a good year with older horses, and not so good with three year olds .
Why is Knightsbridge not considered amongst the best of the crop?
The week dedicated to Arrogate is closing with one of his daughters winning impressively in her debut today at Los Alamitos.
The 3-year-old filly Relatable (Arrogate- Aunt Els by Consolidator) broke last but steadily improved positions stalking a very fast pace to win in a respectable 1:15 4/5 for 6.5 furlongs. She defeated 6 other fillies as the only debutante and her time was a whole second faster than that of the older mare (winner of one) who won the next race at the same distance.
Relatable is another progeny of Arrogate worth following under Bob Baffert management…
Quite possibly the last Arrogate debuter….
Relatable won her first race today at Los Al.
She is by Arrogate out of Aunt Els -Canada by Consolidator by Storm Cat.
Born in February 2021, trained by Bob Baffert, sold for 500,000 at 22 Keeneland sale to Pegram, Watson and Weitman.
Might depend on the humidity levels in Louisville.
I do hope CHD proceeds with caution in the upcoming races. Horses can suffer heat related illness just like humans.
We are in the middle of a heat wave here..Monday and Tuesday will be hotter than today (Sunday).
Chance of thunderstorms later in the week which cool things off a bit by Saturday.
Very dry here, in need of rain!
Not sure if Kentucky is in a drought situation or not.
The forecast for next Saturday’s Stephen Foster Day card at Churchill is saying temperatures in the 90s. Sounds like the perfect time for one of their nighttime cards. Nope. 12:45pm first post.
Exactly, surely they’ll change the times if the temperature remains in the 90s during the day.
Batten Down earned just a 93 BSF for his easy Ohio Derby win. Like I keep saying, a 100 BSF seems to be the ceiling for this year’s 3-year-old crop. Except for Fierceness twice. Maybe they get faster as the year goes on, but I have my doubts. It could be that a late developer shoots to the head of the class come the Fall.
Frankly, I’ve had a pretty hard time picking the winners of these 3-year-old races so far this year. I did get lucky with a few future-exactas in the Derby, but I can’t seem to get my hands on a winner. I went with Copper Tax yesterday, but he flattened out in the stretch. I only bet $10. I don’t really trust Thistledown. No offense.
With the Haskell, Jim Dandy, and Travers still to come, I will continue to try and beat the favorites and hopefully hit one. Travers Day will feature huge betting pools and maybe some juicy payoffs.
Keeping good thoughts for the horsemen – especially on-site backstretch workers – and ponies at Ruidoso Downs, as well as for the responders and those who were able to evacuate. First, devastating fire, and now the rain is leading to flooding problems. Sounds like the track is on higher ground, and was missed by the fire, but surrounding areas are destroyed and shut down. It would be a good spot for WCK to get involved. Be safe, anyone out that way, and may Stepmother Nature settle down.
“The firemen worked in double shifts/with prayers for rain on their lips/and they knew it was only a matter of time”
Thoughts and prayers for all impacted by these wildfires.
With curtains coming down at Royal Ascot, two exciting 2 year old fillies stamped themselves as ‘possibly’ future champions with names that warm the heart.
Bedtime Story and Fairy Godmother both under the tutelage of the master, Aidan O’Brien, could become the myth denotes their appellations. Nursery rhyme stories were always such fun.
It’s surprising those great names were still available. I find it easier to remember horses from 40 years ago with interesting names than those of the T4iple Crown race winners this year.
Those two fillies were amazing! I’m not sure what superlatives to use for Bedtime Story’s effort – under a hand ride!
I will miss seeing this course. Glad the coverage is on Peacock for replays. I love that it’s quirky, with the hills and grades. Plus, as folks have said, the announcing has gone above-and-beyond.
Katy, nearly all the tracks in Europe have their idiosyncrasies and the weather has a major influence on the races. Had it rained at Royal Ascot we could have had totally different results.
They’ll be back at Ascot for the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July and again in October for the British Champions Stakes races just drop the ‘Royal’ part. Ha ha
I’m the same Todd, endearing names are very catchy for the fans when the English race caller started screaming “and Fairy Godmother is beginning to fly now” the excitement exploded and who is going to forget Bedtime Story, cherish childhood memories concerning an exciting new filly.
Imagine when the two fillies clash, is ‘Fairy Godmother going to put a spell on this Bedtime Story’ or ‘this is a Bedtime Story that Fairy Godmother wished she’d never been part of’ it makes the race so much more and easy to remember.
Great comment Davids.
Sounds like Pletcher is pointing maybe three to The Haskell….his two big ones….
I see Muth has not worked since June 10th….Bob’s recent stakes winner Parenting worked a fast five furlongs….
I think Parenting is the next big horse. And as Catching Freedom showed today, Triple Crown runners are not really to be feared.
Catching Freedom had by far the best trip, in The Derby…..sat a rail trip and didn’t brush the rail like Mystik Dan did….
My point being. ..he seems overrated.
Catching Freedom is overrated or Mystik Dan? In the Preakness Stakes Catching Freedom was extremely unlucky not to be second while Mystik Dan hung to the rail, as he did in the Kentucky Derby, and held on for second by a whisker.
In the Smarty Jones, Catching Freedom thrashed Mystik Dan.
I believe that this crop of 3 year olds, as well as the previous two crops, are so modestly talented (not blaming the horses, not their problem) that trip and circumstance are deciding the races, rather than raw talent or superiority. Maybe something will change that, but with Maymun, Nysos, Parchment Party, etc MIA, it is getting late. I am looking forward to what’s next from Parenting.
Davids, I feel the same about Bedtime Story and Fairy Godmother and will be following their careers!
Coolmore almost always gives the most interesting and unique names to their horses.
Below I mentioned Whistlejacket as an example.
Since I have a fondness (but cannot afford) for 17, 18th and early 19th century art, especially portraits of Thoroughbreds, I already knew about Whistlejacket and the artist George Stubbs.
I was shocked that no one had used “Whistlejacket” without the space without success before!
As far as our 3 y/o colts go, I do love the play on words and tribute given Arrogate (: to take or claim) in the name Seize The Grey. Plus, I don’t care what Crayola says, that’s how you spell grey. It just looks greyer.
LOL! Great post Katy.
Yes Katy, grey is grey not gray. ha ha
That’s true, Lynda. Coolmore have used names as wide ranging as famous footballers, scientists, painters, musicians, US states, pirates, Prime Ministers, historic documents, empires, buildings etc and now children’s nursery stories or characters – Paddington, Fairy Godmother and Bedtime Story.
The interconnectedness of horse racing with other cherished memories holds the sport in good stead. Imagine the wonderful names for progeny of Paddington – Bedtime Story or Fairy Godmother. Wonderful.
Lynda, i posted a comment agreeing with you about the imaginative way Coolmore choose names for their stock but alas, it’s waiting for moderation.
Lynda, sometimes those paintings go for just a couple of hundred dollars on various (non-Kentucky, non-New York) online auctions. I have a print I picked up for $25 years ago in New Jersey that might be a reproduction — but the date on it is 18th century! Needs to be examined and reframed. I have it on the wall in my office.
Ms Blacktype, if it’s an original Stubbs, you have a treasure on your wall.
“Gimcrack on Newmarket Heath, with a Trainer, a Stable-Lad, and a Jockey” – 1765 sold for around $36 million by Christie’s in London in July, 2011.
Ms B, my daughter has a masters in art history with a concentration in restoration and 18th and 19th century art.
She and her family have traveled extensively to England, Scotland, Ireland and Europe and several years ago She traveled to Egypt by herself.
She always tours the art galleries.
Her advice has been to purchase prints from the museum or gallery where the original is.
In addition to the equine art from the 18th and 19th centuries, I like American Folk Art. Having lived in Colonial Williamsburg I purchased several prints from the Abby Aldrich Rockefella Folk Art Museum many years ago.
The originals are all in the Abby Aldrich.
The quality of the prints is outstanding and are as true to color as when they were purchased.
Yes, you can find original painting by famous artists or from an earlier period in the mist unusual places.
About 10 years ago I found an original Folk art painting in a thrift shop here where I live now. The shop owner wanted to move the painting he said came from an estate sale and accepted my offer of $25.00.
There are also reproductions that are very valuable. Some of the well known artists from the 17th and 18th Centuries le as Reed their craft by painting reproductions.
I do have one very high quality framed print my daughter gave me about 20 years ago of Thoroughbreds in a pasture setting.
That would be something if you have an original from the 28th century. They are very valuable!
The Ohio Derby did not set up well for Catching Freedom. He had to get into the race too early. I would point him for the Haskell were it looks like there will be a lot of early speed in that race and he can come on late.
Agree, I thought the Ohio Derby was a poor choice for Catching Freedom and when Batten Down was sailing out in front it was over, the stamina from the dam’s family would keep him ticking over for 12 f or longer.
Speak Easy is training at Saratoga.
Another shout out to Secretatiat, Khaadem wins QE Stakes!
Post in error.
Sorry
Silly me. Got two mixed up.
He did win the QE
Haateem wins Jersey Stakes. Also goes back to Secretariat.
Oh these names…LOL!
Hateem is a beautiful eight year old!..
Did you see how the trainer’s son, Eddie, burst into tears after he won? Only 12, he grew up with that horse. What a beautiful moment.
Bedtime Story, another lovely filly!
Dam goes back to Carry Back!
Speed and stamina in this filly!
Will we ever learn this lesson in America???
I have been out of pocket for the last three days and just now catching up. So many wonderful posts from Nelson, Davids, Katy, Linda, Matthew and Joe, on everything from how foals are recorded with the Jockey Club to in-person witnesses of Arrogate’s greatest races. Thanks to everyone who posted. You are all so amazing.
Ms Blacktye, the last card at Royal Ascot will be a sad affair the racing has been fabulous even without a host of glamour runners but the weather couldn’t have been better. Lynda’s heart has been stolen by Fairy Godmother, what a performance and ride by Ryan with a name that brings joy just hearing the call.
Tomorrow’s Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes Gp 1 is not the best field ever especially with Kinross out but the filly Believing might get her chance here.
The Jersey Stakes has my eye with River Tiber, we want Wootton Bassett to glean some glory, while in the Golden Gates Stakes the improving Siyouni colt, Old Faithful, has his chance to make a noise. Ryan Moore has been on fire which always helps. Fingers crossed.
Don’t feel sad that Royal Ascot ends tomorrow just enjoy the fabulous racing. It’s be great fun.
It’s ’tomorrow’ here in frigid Melbourne but it’s morning for you during a heat wave – stay safe everyone and drink plenty of fluids.
Davids, I enjoyed the entire Friday card, and all day Saturday! Many upsets, several beautiful performances, especially by Bedtime Story, a very impressive daughter of Frankel. Has been brutally hot here in the US. Fortunately, pretty minimal impact here in New York where I live.
Good to hear, about the racing that is, not the heat wave. Conversely, it’s been frigidly cold here which is extremely unusual for this time of year. For the first time in over a decade I’ve picked up a cold with the wors sore throat ever – not Covid thankfully.
As our doctor says, keep your Novid record intact. Ha ha
Royal Ascot is not only a prestigious venue for owners, trainers and jockeys but also its big and high quality fields prompt some astounding payouts.
For example, some lucky horseplayers hit the exacta and trifecta of the Coventry Stakes the first day of the festival. Rashabar was a $259 winner triggering a $4,200 for a 1-dollar exacta and a staggering $122,000 trifecta… better than any lottery…!
Tomorrow is the last day of the Royal Ascot festival featuring the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes as the only Group 1 in the card. The best sprinters in Europe will face off with Mill Stream, Kinross and Mitbaahy as the leading contenders in the 6-furlong contest.
But In the second race, the Hardwicke Stakes, I will be watching Elegant Man, the son of Arrogate who is 30 to 1. The Japanese Continuous will be hard to beat in the 1 1/2-mile race coming from a respectable 5th in the l’Arc de Triomphe. The son of Heart’s Cry got all the power of Coolmore behind him.
Against the favorite, Missed the Cut, will be representing America in the Hardwicke with James Doyle up for John Saddler. The son of Quality Road and maternal grandson of Sea The Stars is getting some respect as the 7 to 1 ( third betting option ) in the morning line.
My long shot will be Juddmonte’s Task Force against the favorites River Tiber and Hateem in the 7 furlongs of the Jersey Stakes.
Good luck to horse players attempting another jackpot in the last day of the prestigious Royal Ascot meet.
Nelson, glad you’re back again. Kinross is out of the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee II Stakes so Mill Stream has his chance. Best of luck.
What a sensational Coronation Stakes are Royal Ascot on Day 4 two daughters of Justify were denied by Caravaggio’s best, Porta Fortuna, all tracing back to Scat Daddy. What a loss at only 11 years.
I am so happy for Jim and Patti!
On another note I have fallen in love with Fairy Godmother! What a fine pedigree she has!
Yes, Lynda, wasn’t the call wonderful for the Albany Stakes and Ryan Moore what a ride. Fairy Godmother was blocked and blocked again then Ryan found space and as the caller roared “Fairy Godmother has found daylight and is beginning to fly…Fairy Godmother, with a withering run, gets through to score” you don’t get better calls than that, nor names!!
The Siyouni speed through the dam, Scintillating, was the difference, tremendous performance. More to come for sure from Fairy Godmother.
Davids, the announcing at the RA was sublime!
I commented somewhere recently what a great race it would’ve been to see Arrogate and Flightline go at it. I can still remember thinking how Arrogate was still flying at the finish of the Travers.
The $500k Ohio Derby is being run tomorrow at Thistledown. Catching Freedom is 9-5 on the ML but looks more like even-money to me. I can’t see past Catching Freedom(9-5), Copper Tax(7-2), and Batten Down(8-1). Catching Freedom has the best trainer(Brad C), best jockey(Luis Saez), and 3 straight 97 BSFs. I know how much you folks love speed figures. Catching Freedom won the Smarty Jones & Louisianna Derby, finished 4th in the Derby, and 3rd in the Preakness. He’s easy to like. But not so fast.
I’m drawn to Copper Tax. Mostly because his workout pattern since his last race intrigues me. Three 1-mile works followed by a 5-furlong work and then two 6-furlong works. His trainer obviously concerned with distance. His trainer’s dismal record in Graded Stakes races and a lesser-known jockey could keep his price right.
Copper Tax has won 7 of his 10 races, but only 1 of 2 at a mile and an eighth.
I won’t go crazy, but I’ll put a couple of bucks on the former claimer’s nose.
Copper Tax needs to prove that he can win away from the Eastern Seaboard.
I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Batten Down gets bet down to half of his ML price.
I like that those 3 myself !!!
No Love for the Sir Barton runner up!
Steve,
Thanks for this article on the “Great” Arrogate. His talent as a race horse was truly exceptional and he was able to pass this on to his prodigy. It was unfortunate he passed away at such a young age. As far as his races at Del Mar it remains a mystery to this day. I still believe he just did not like the track. That was the year Santa Anita had all those breakdowns and I think Del Mar being very cautious with the track and making sure they would not have the same issues and a lot of the times for dirt races were unusually slow. The year before they had an unusual amount of breakdowns themselves. But who knows why he never took to that track.
Steve, just keep bringing articles like this coming as they are always to great to read.
Congrats Porta Fortunate and owners Jim and Patti Reeves (of Georgia) for RA win today!
We really enjoyed Shareholder’s win in the cavalry charge Norfolk Stakes. Not This Time with another fabulous looking turf son. For a horse that was off my radar his entire (short) racing career, he is getting it done at stud! Arizona Blaze (a Scat Daddy grandson) was rolling at the end – not sure Shareholder would prevail at 6F. Nevertheless, I hope they bring him for the BC!
Kyprios coming all the way back from a life and career threatening joint capsule infection to win the Gold Cup on Thursday has got to be one of the sweetest wins for Aidan at this year’s Royal Ascot.
I was hesisant to read this at first Steve. But only because I knew what to expect. And you did not disappoint.
I felt and thought the same after the Belmont. Saved it in a draft but never posted it because I couldn’t get the words right. You did just that – and more! …
Took a few days after the Travers to realize what we witnessed. There was no way a 37yo track record had just been broken – and that easily. Seattle Slew was the first proven Great I ever saw. And Arrogate was the last.
If there’s one thing I regret concerning him, it’s that I never saw him in person. But it changes nothing.
Anyway, a couple of years ago I was getting conflicting information about his progeny. So I contacted Juddmonte and they gave me the breakdown:
1st book was 145, 2nd was 149, and 3rd was 139. A total of 433. Yet any search I’ve done says there were only 325; including a recent exchange I had with someone from TDN. I was told that only foals registered with JCGC are counted and that number was 325. Yet I have over 340 named US runners (active or otherwise) on Equibase. And there’s at least a dozen more overseas. Any thoughts on how that works would be appreciated.
Anyway, there are still the Breeders Cup races, for the matured Arro’s (not a bad thing!), and tomorrow Ascot. There may yet be more to come! …
There’s still the Breeders Cup … and Ascot! …
Elegant Man (C2)
Arrogate/Her Smile by Include
Entered on 6/22 @ Ascot … R2 @ 3:05PM …
G2 C1 Hardwicke Stakes @ 11F (T)
(unfortunately there’s no way to edit: Saturday – Ascot)
I looked around and all say 325 named foals so it has to remain a mystery. Good luck with Elegant Man in the Hardwicke Stakes on Saturday but it looks wide open, I like Middle Earth in the race but having mixed luck this year.
Friday, in the Commonwealth Cup, I’m hoping for a reversal of fortune with Military, sometimes you’re lucky. Ha ha
In the Coronation Stakes, Oisin Murphy looks strong on Ramatuelle against the other Justify filly, Opera Singer but Porta Fortunate could surprise them both. Best of luck.
Reading through the reply from Lynda below it’s more complicated than I thought – if not impossible – to get an accurate number. But it’s all good. I’ll just go with what I can find, be thankful, and hope his legacy will carry on! …
E Man had his own way there for most of the race, …wasn’t a good sign! 🙂
How those race callers can keep track of 20-30 horses fields is mind-boggling!
Arro has a few good ones in Japan, though. No world beaters, but seeing the traits in them all, for better or worse is what really keeps him ‘alive’ for me.
I had no idea he had runners – stakes winners no less – in Chile, Argentina and Turkey. Very exciting to know and will do my best to find out who they are.
As below, try the website, Racing Post, and search for Arrogate – his progeny and their results will come up for you.
Arcangelo, Mr Fisk or Liberal Arts may keep his line active in the future.
Within 30 days of foaling a live foal or no foal report must be filed with the Jockey Club.
All foals are required to be registered with Jockey Club within 12 months of birth to avoid late filing and registration fees.
The book is the list of pre-approved mares to be bred to the stallion and the bookings are usually made well in advance of the scheduled breeding.
The difference between the number of mares booked to Arrogate and the number of named foals registered with the Jockey Club can be attributed to several things:1) the breeding might not be successful. Some mares are difficult to get into foal due to age for example or breeding mares back during foal heat is not always successful. 2) Mares can slip or absorb a fetus very early in the pregnancy. The mare can also abort or miscarry the foal. 3) The mare can die during the pregnancy or have to be euthanized. 4) The mare and foal could both die during foaling or the mare delivers a still born foal or the foal could die a few days after birth. 5) The foal could die or be euthanized due to an accident before weaned or same before foal, weanling or yearling is registered.
It is the responsibility of the foal owner to register the foal with the Jockey Club. Failure to register the foal could also account for the difference. Most foals born in other countries or sold to foreign interests are registered with the Jockey Club and in the country they are sold to of born in.
Sometimes the subsequent owners change the horses name and do not inform the Jockey Club. Some horses are never registered.
However to race in the United States all the information on the JC registration number (used to be upper lip tattoos, now microchipped) must match the horse.
If you go to pedigreedotcom and type in Arrogate and go to progeny in the drop down menu on the upper left you will see all the named progeny, year born, dam, damsire, race record, earnings and racing status (unraced). You can click on each horse to obtain information such as details on the race record, owner, breeder, sale price etc.
Reply to David above:
Reading through the reply from Lynda below it’s more complicated than I thought – if not impossible – to get an accurate number. But it’s all good. I’ll just go with what I can find, be thankful, and hope his legacy will carry on! …
E Man had his own way there for most of the race, …wasn’t a good sign! 🙂
How those race callers can keep track of 20-30 horses fields is mind-boggling!
Arro has a few good ones in Japan, though. No world beaters, but seeing the traits in them all, for better or worse is what really keeps him ‘alive’ for me.
I had no idea he had runners – stakes winners no less – in Chile, Argentina and Turkey. Very exciting to know and will do my best to find out who they are.
If you go to the website Racing Post, English racing website/digital newspaper, and search for Arrogate they list his progeny that have raced with results. Not sure all, mind you.
Good luck, with your search.
A lot more complicated than I thought. Not sure what part(s) of the process was involved in the number I got from Juddmonte. And I am familiar with pedigreequeery.com (if that’s what you meant). It’s my first go to, then I try to find the runners by name. As I mentioned, I have well over the 300 or so named there so no idea how many there were. Don’t know where to start but I’ll have to figure out how to find the ones Haskin mentioned in Chile, Turkey and Argentina — and who knows where else!. ….But thank you for the reply.
Sean Ali,
Accounting for the live foal crop for any stallion is a near impossibility especially in an era when these popular stallions are bred to up to 225 mares in some cases as compared to the foal crops 50 years ago. Some breeding farms such as Juddmonte and Godolphin have better track records when it comes to tracking a stallions progeny as compared to other breeding farms in America.
Another tip on using the pedigree query database is that you can sort the columns by holding down the column header name (example earnings) for a couple of seconds. It will sort by highest earnings to 0 earnings. That might make your search a little easier.
Hundreds of Thoroughbreds fall through the cracks every year and it is not just the Thoroughbred, same happens with all breed registries including Arabians and American Quarter Horses.
Some of these Thoroughbreds are sold for slaughter right off the track which is illegal. Many change ownership multiple times via claiming races.
Often they are sold to other countries at auctions and unless they pop up in other databases such as Racing post or the Japanese databases they are almost impossible to find.
Just as an example is Kabirkhan (dirt) and Hank Moody (turf) both sired by California Chrome and both were sold to former Soviet Union block countries. No one knew about either one until they popped up as winners in International races.
I personally consider the Godolphin and Juddmonte operations to be among the best in the United States when it comes to keeping track of horses from their stable. Godolphin has their own retired race horse fund that takes care of OTTBs.
Royal Ascot on Thursday sees the running of the Ribblesdale Stakes and the fabulous Ascot Gold Cup.
In the former Diamond Rain seems the winner but Siyola could improve enough to give her a fright.
In the Gold Cup it appears a battle royal between Kyprios and Trawlerman but Gregory could surprise them both. Looks like a race not to be missed. Enjoy the fun!!!
Those 30-horse straight miles are a sight!…
Matthew, it’s just brilliant being there, the excitement is scintillating +++. Even just watching the replays is thrilling. I was so hoping Trawlerman was going to hold on in the Gold Cup, he didn’t deserve to lose but Kyprios was magnificent.
Love Kyprios! It’s really cool that he has been able to rehab back to this kind of form.
Yes, Katy, those grand stayers seem like battleships they can recover from anything. Kyprios seemed to have the race in hand most of the way for sure but for a fleet second it appeared Trawlerman might just come back but was faint hope. I would have loved a dead-heat.
That one was a pleasure to watch. You could go to war on the horses in that field, for sure! Sometimes with two favorite horses in a race, it’s hard to see one end up a step behind.
Too bad they gelded Trawlerman, although it may have been key to his success. But we need more horses with bone like his!
Maybe for the National Hunt Studs, stamina is not in demand anymore that’s why the St Leger Stakes is disregarded for those seeking to promote a future possible sire.
Congrats to the Venezuelan connection of the fast 2-year-old Gabaldon who finished a gallant second in the 5 furlongs of the Windsor Castle Stakes this morning at the historic Royal Ascot meet. The son of Gone Astray led the field from the get-go but could not fend off the final drive of Ain’t Nobody with the brilliant Jamie Spencer in the irons.
Gabaldon’s young trainer Jose D’Angelo deserves every accolade for his first ever performance at the celebrated Royal Ascot festival.
I am also happy for Emisael Jaramillo, a champion Jockey in Venezuela for 14 years before moving to the US in 2015.
Emisael Jaramillo is one of the fastest gate Jockeys out there… many of his colleagues have acknowledged his knack to break with easy and great balance. The Florida based Jockey got a superb ability to make the horses break quickly and alertly; and this strength served him very well while piloting Gabaldon in the straight 5-furlongs of the Windsor Castle Stakes.
Trainer Jose D’Angelo is the son of Francisco “Kiko” D’Angelo, a champion trainer in Venezuela who provided Emisael Jaramillo with his very first professional win on board of a horse named Lancelot in 1998. Francisco “Kiko” D’Angelo is very proud to work with his talented son as a assistant trainer.
It is a “feel-good” story as a Florida bred bought by a meager $9,000 was able to defeat 25 fast and precocious (but somehow unexposed) 2-year-olds in Europe.
The Norfolk Stakes (G2) tomorrow will feature a better field of fast 2-year-olds with Aidan O’Brien’s Whistlejacket as the odds-on favorite to win the 5-furlong contest.
I hope that Gabaldon’s performance opens the door for other precocious American 2-year-old underdogs and their trainers to try winning at the glorious Royal Ascot.
The prizes (for 2-year-old Stakes) in Europe might not be the most lucrative (Gabaldon made USD 30K) but nothing compares to the prestige and experience of participating in the summit of British Horse Racing.
I bet her! She ran lights out! The way they do things….if you bet “place” and finish second—you split the pool with two other entrants, so she paid 1/3 what she would have paid if it was all hers and the winners pool…..I saw her winging….he had her well clear….and was clear of third, good effort, and on the biggest stage!..
Actually she split the pool with three other entrants..
She placed at Royal Ascot her value just blossomed. ..
Whistlejacket, a 2 year old chestnut colt by No Nay Never out of Adventure Seeker no doubt named after the 18th century Thoroughbred “Whistlejacket” who was named after a tonic of gin and molasses syrup.
The portrait of Whistlejacket was painted by George Stubbs, one of the most prolific English equine portrait artists who spent years studying equine anatomy.
Whistle Jacket was a very successful racehorse with 17 starts with 13 wins and 2 shows including 6 King’s Plates and raced until he eas 10 years old.
He was a Grandson of the Godolphin Arabian out of a Sweepstakes mare whose grandsire was a “Bloody Shoulder Arabian”.
Hello Nelson.
Hello MIke !
Thank you Steve for another great article. You’re correct, we saw four of the greatest racing performances that will be remembered for decades. It’s so true what you said about having a passion for the sport and a love for these magnificent animals. Back in the 80’s and 90’s I owned some horses in partnership that we raced at Woodbine and Fort Erie. Being owners we could go to backstretch to watch your horses work or just drop by the barn to see how they’re doing, bring coffee and donuts for the stable help and after a winning race it was a case of beer. I would go to the stables as often as I could on my days off, I loved being there around these beautiful animals. It’s truly another world and you begin to appreciate all the hard work and all the people in the the barn that care for the horses. At that time I worked in the grocery industry and was earning very good wages as an assistant manager. One day we were visiting the stable and as usual loving every minute of it, just watching the horses that were being walked to cool out from their training,when my partner came to me and said to me that the assistant trainer said to him ” if Joe could earn here what he does at his work he’d be working here’ I can see it in his eyes.” What he said is true, I would have switched jobs in a heartbeat, but back then a groom earned one hundred dollars a week, so when one of our horses in his care won we would slip him a 20 dollar win ticket plus cash bonus as well. Because if you take care of those who take care of yours they know that you appreciate them and will do that little to sure everything is right with the horses. But enough about me, back to Arrogate. I hope his progeny have healthy and successful careers and pass on his brilliance, either as broodmares or sires and produce some top class race horses to carry on his legacy. Thanks jomat.
Wonderful post Joe. Thank you.
I was very fortunate to witness Arrogate’s exploit at Meydan seven years ago. It was the type of spectacle you only see in movies.
Mike Smith had said in pre race interviews that people should be prepared to see something special that Saturday evening. He was expecting the strapping horse to win by open lengths … Smith could not imagine the adversity they would have to overcome, but after missing the break and dipping 10 lengths behind, the big gray was still able to win easily. All the power and grace of Gun Runner could not escape the might of Arrogate’s daunting strides.
It was Terry Spargo last call as Meydan announcer and his farewell was a laudatory depiction of Arrogate devouring the final furlong…. “Here comes the big A Arrogate… America’s King Croesus of Horse Racing … A for Arrogate, A for an Absolute Superstar, A is for anointed … we have seen the anointing of the Man O’War of the twenty first century”.
Watching the crowd I asked myself how many people had the slightest sense of the magnitude of Arrogate’s feat; then I saw Jill Baffert crying and Bob Baffert in awe. I also could feel the inescapable reverence of many owners and trainers while watching the desert conqueror coming to the winning circle.
That afternoon I was thrilled by the breathtaking finish between Thunder Snow and Epicharis but Arrogate’s performance in Dubai is one reserved only for the greatest race horses of all time… as Steve said, Arrogate’s thunder in the desert was so mighty that no one expects to see the likes of it ever again.
Arrogate won’t have any other 3-year-old vying for the Classics anymore but I am sure that some of his progeny will be players in the Handicap divisions…. and, on the not so far future, we will see his daughters producing some nice runners as well.
Arrogate’s progeny are now gems and as such they are to be treasured …
Your poignant post nailed it!—yeah he might have run away from Gun Runner, in a tour de force…..and then came the mountain to overcome, and…..he ran away from Gun Runner….
Hello Nelson,
Your account of Arrogate’s World Cup win was thrilling to read. Thank you!
My husband watched the race with me which is a rarity and he wanted to know who is “that” horse (he is not a fan of horse racing).
Hello Lynda! My pleasure…
Sorry for the late reply … Royal Ascot, the UEFA Euro and Copa America kept me entertained the whole day…
I can imagine your husband being curious as the hype around Arrogate was far-reaching… but for the majority of the Meydan crowd that day who did not follow horse racing (closely) might have thought that Arrogate was a deep closer and that was the way he was supposed to win as the big favorite… Arrogate was pinballed forcefully by Furia Cruzada to his left and Keen Ice to his right at the start leaving him 12 lengths behind the frontrunner. Arrogate was so great that that hindrance became irrelevant …
I reckon that Arrogate would have broken the track record had he started cleanly…. but he was anyway a thunder in the desert that momentous Saturday…!
Unfortunately Arrogate was not the same after his epic performance against the best horses in the world … sometimes horses have such a colossal fighting spirit that their bodies are not able to keep up with it.
Good morning Nelson,
Thank you for response.
The breeding manager for Juddmonte said something similar about Aroogate when he first went down. His indomitable fighting spirit was a detriment when they were trying to evaluate and treat his condition.
For me it was indeed disheartening watching his training sessions after Dubai. It was obvious he was off in his hindquarters and whatever was going on it was sad to watch him lose his subsequent races. The heart, the desire was still there but his body was not (as you stated).
GREAT post! What good fortune to have been there!
One of the frustrating things about Arrogate’s tragic early death, especially in light of what we have apparently lost as a great stallion, is the legacy of Unbridled’s Song.
Unbridled’s Song was a fabulous sire of impressive racehorses on the track. Even though there was an unfortunate pattern of unsoundness there, the brilliance and class, which Unbridled’s Song himself had in abundance, often displayed by his offspring (really of either gender) was undeniable. The problem for him, legacy wise, was his inability to become a “sire of sires”. He had a problem consistently begetting sons who were successful at stud themselves.
Enter Arrogate, a member of Unbridled’s Song’s penultimate crop of 2013. Unbridled’s Song died in July of 2013 after covering a full book in that year’s breeding season just ended, so he did have a full crop foaled in 2014. But Arrogate, coming near the very end of the great sire’s breeding career, was already becoming as big a star in the shed as he was on the track. To lose him, with only three crops of foals, is about as heartbreaking a loss to the industry as you will ever get! And as I alluded to before, the unlucky blow to Unbridled’s Song’s legacy is sad beyond measure!
That unreal 4-race sequence that Arrogate treated the world to was about as thrilling and unforgettable as any that racing has ever seen. But the world will not soon recover from the sadness generated by his unfair and tragic early loss.😥
Excellent post
Well said, Margi, Unbridled’s Song was just magnificent. Hopefully, Tapit Trice is successful you can see both of the great sires in him.
Any idea why Tapit Trice was scratched from the Blame Stakes? I don’t remember if there was crummy weather or something.
No Katy, but Tapit Trice hasn’t worked since May 25 so there is obviously a problem of some sort let’s hope it’s minor. Shame.
Margi, super post. With the break-out start Arrogate made, I am sure the best mares would have kept going to him.
As far as Unbridled’s Song’s remaining sons, I am hopeful that Liam’s Map will keep doing well. He is siring some excellent turf horses, although stamina seems a limitation . He has an interesting pedigree that features some inbreeding to In Reality, and Ta Wee, in addition to the ubiquitous MP.
Midshipman is another, but he was so oddly campaigned, I don’t think domestic breeders are as familiar with him. His best runners are from his shuttle duty in South America. Beautiful pedigree – no inbreeding through 5 gens!
Cross Traffic hopefully will keep getting bred to good mares, despite the fate of Maple Leaf Mel (who appeared to be brilliant).
Certainly not a dynasty, as would have been predicted. Absolutely depleted by the loss of Arrogate, but not a lost cause yet. Chin up!
Congratulations Auguste Rodin!!!!
Auguste Rodin is Aidan O’Brien’s 400th Grade One Win! Congratulations!!!
And before I forget he goes back to my beloved Secretariat thru Betty’s Secret and to Somethingroyal via Sir Gaylord.
Yes Lynda, Auguste Rodin finally got the right conditions he’s not much when the track is soft but you can’t have it all. Inspiral is a mere shadow of herself now which is sad to watch.
Oisin Murphy finally has Running Lion back on track, what a great ride and performance by Running Lion. What a great day all round, oh, to be there. Onward to tomorrow.
Thankyou. A great article written with respect passion and love.
Thank you Yvonne.
Steve, this is an Inspired and superb tribute to Arrogate. We were so lucky during that period in racing to have some really good horses to watch, even though some had short careers. I remember standing in my living room to watch the Travers, and just gaping at that performance. Conveyer belt indeed. I enjoyed the careers of so many of the horses mentioned in this article. It is so unfair that several of them are gone too soon – poor Cave Rock!
These Unbridled’s Song horses have so much ability and charisma, but I try SO hard not to fall in love with them. They break my heart when I do. (Liam’s Map and his son Colonel Liam are the exceptions, out of my favorite racehorses.) I don’t ever want to pull for them, because I am ALWAYS afraid of what I am going to see happen to them. But I loved Arrogate, and I have pulled for all his kids – despite the fact that personally, I find Arcangelo’s pedigree terrifying.
I hope these colts will stay sound in the breeding shed. I always worry about spinal issues in these tall, rangy built horses, and I wondered if Arrogate was a subclinical wobbler. Sometimes, that wouldn’t show itself until a certain point in his growth. I’m sure diagnostics were done, but we wouldn’t always be privy to results. So I hope his colts are sound individuals, and will pass on some of his brilliance – not more infirmity. I would be willing to bet breeders will want to roll the dice!
I also hope that Seize the Grey stays sound and safe as far as performance and racing goes!
For shareholders: how are decisions made about what to do next in his campaign, and as far as retirement? Will he be sold when he is ready to retire to stud?
Katy, several of Arrogate’s foals did have wobbler syndrome and were not trainable or rideable.
That is not saying of course that Arrogate had a genetic defect. It could have come from the mare line or a recessive gene from sire and dam.
Sometimes it’s just the rate of growth and the enormous size, like Great Danes. Goodness knows, the yearlings get pushed HARD to look and walk just right for the sales. Bigger and shinier and more mature for their age… sells and sells higher!
Thank you Katy. Sometimes it’s tough but when you invest your heart in something, you can’t let your fear of what might happen stand in the way of the passion you have for the sport and the love you have for horses. This sport takes a lot out of you but gives back so much more.
True – and well said!
Well said, Steve. There are many of us who fall in love with horses, knowing that there’s a risk that our hearts may be broken at some point. Nevertheless, the joy that we experience from being attached to a horse make it all worth while. Thank you for giving Arrogate his due.
Well said Dewey.
That’s exactly right, Dewey. Your heart runs with them when things are going well and it shatters when things go awry.
If you own horses or love them your heart is going to break over and over again. We place them in a special place in our hearts where they live forever. Every beat of our heart reminds us of the sound of their hoof beats.
Absolutely true. They find trouble like no other critters under the sun, whether they are regally bred thoroughbreds or backyardigans! I know this, yet I still have 3 living here. I don’t feel like myself without a horse around.
Lynda, you are a poet.
Steve, so very true!
If we truly love this sport and these horses as we all do we will come back.
I have left so many times, but cannot stay away.
The loss of Arrogate was heartbreaking but I firmly believe his legacy will live on through the coming generations.
Let’s hope so. Heavy burden on Arcangelo’s shoulders especially.
There’s a talented three year old sprinter named Raging Torrent, in the race following the Derby (run in 2:03 and change..)…Doug O’Reilly brought a huge group into the winners circle, they had a great time at the Derby-‐and their Raging Torrent won by 8 1/4, 1:21……he’s doing fine—and he is talented—Sunday at Churchill race ten—the (impressive ) winner Yellow Card—had chased Raging Torrent on Derby Day….
Sheesh, Doug O’NEILL, my smart phone!…
RIP Willie Mays….the greatest MLB ever.
#24 Say Hey Kid best ever….
A true five tool ballplayer before anyone ever called them that, and a hero in so many ways. I will be tuning in Thursday for the Rickwood Field game. I hope it’ll be a celebration of life for Willie – and other Negro League greats, some of whom never got the recognition they deserved. Let’s have error free ball!
Very sad, just read he passed.
Truly the greatest of all time in baseball.
I grew up with Willie, Mickey, and Duke. I can still see see Willie running the bases and losing his cap.
Me too Steve.
That was when I followed baseball.
1971y dad drove my brother and I down to San Diego to see Juan Marichal pitch….Willie May’s was around 40….he’s on first, and a hit and run play was in motion, but the hitter hit a line drive to the center fielder, so Willie slides into 2nd, then he jumps up and rind back to first, hard-sliding to beat the double play—my dad said no other player could have done that and been safe, Willie Mays was an incredible base runner!….
As a Dodger fan growing up, Willie Mays ruined many days for me. But I can’t deny his greatness. He could run, throw, field, hit, and hit with power. What they call a “5-tool player”. And who can forget his patented basket catch. He hit 660 legit homeruns in an era before these “muscle marys” that play the game today. Don’t forget that he played most of his career in the frozen tundra of Candlestick Park. I went to 2 games at Candlestick in 2 different seasons and nearly froze to death both times. One of those games was a day game! It’s amazing that he never hurt himself on that chain link fence in the outfield. Candlestick was the worst ballpark that I’ve ever been to. But Willie Mays was one of the best ballplayers that I ever saw.
We lost 2 iconic players in the last week. Willie Mays and Jerry West.
The left center power alley at Polo Grounds was very deep……at Candlestick night games has a strong left-to-right wind—Mays’s two home fields weren’t good for right handed power hitters, and yet he was incredibly successful..
I remember the in-air collision with Bobby Bonds, May’s landed unconscious….ball in glove….
It’s strange reading about a horse that put up 122, 120, 119, & 115 BSFs. Horses like that are rare. There is a school of thought that Arrogate’s Dubai World Cup win got to the bottom of him. He was all out to get up after that poor break. He never won another race.
Tuscan Sky earned a 99 BSF for his Pegasus win last Saturday. A 100 BSF seems the ceiling for these 3-year-olds other than Fierceness who ran a couple of fast races but is inconsistent. People say that Sierra Leone is the best of them. Really? It looks like he is right there with the rest of them to me.
If a 100 BSF is truly the limit for these guys, I would expect some more upsets as we move through the summer. And that these guys will beat each other over and over. Handicapping them could be as simple as figuring out which horse’s day it is. Alright, not so simple.
Let’s see what happens in the Ohio Derby. A 100 BSF or less?
Topping out at 100 has become the new normal for 3 year olds. The horses who seem potentially faster can’t stay in training. The breed appears to have fallen off a cliff.
Wonder if race-day medication ban has anything to do with lower speed figures. Just a thought.
Well I don’t know about race day medication, but the Beyer figures certainly started decreasing a couple of years after Big Brown. That was, not coincidentally, when the industry-wide ban on anabolic steroids went into effect. That had a marked affect the Beyer speed figures.
The monster numbers that Arrogate put up in those four tours-de-force about six years later were true anomalies by then.
Bejarano had the choice of Bob mounts, for that Travers…..Boy did he choose wrong! That Travers was like when Secretariat got in top form he just went to the lead…..both horses were stalkers, no stalking in The Travers! From there Mike enjoyed being Bob’s #1 go to….and Bejarano lost the Bob mounts….
Matthew, I remember reading Bejarano was already committed to American Freedom and actually advised Mike Smith on how to ride Arrogate in fact saying that Arrogate can’t lose.
I just confirmed the above in reading “In their own words: Baffert, Smith on Arrogate’s ‘wow’ Travers Stakes.”
Heartfelt condolences to family and friends of Toby Sheets, assistant trainer for Steve Asmussen, who died suddenly on Greek Island of Mathraki.
Sad news out of France, 20 mares and foals died in early morning barn fire.
Prayers for horses being evacuated from Ruidoso Downs due to 2 wildfires.
The beautiful Castleton Lyons Farm to be sold and subdivided for housing development. This is NOT progress. Very little arable land left in United States for agriculture.
Thorpedo Anna now number 7 on latest NTRA poll. She should be higher in my opinion, she is best 3 year old in US, again in my opinion.
Have a good week everyone. Hope all are staying cool during the heatwave on the East Coast. Stay safe. s the best 3 year old in the US, again in my opinion.
Have a good week everyone. Hope all are staying cool during the heatwave on the East Coast. Stay safe.
While we’re on subject of Asmussen, disgrace he doesn’t want to pay his employees.
What a shame about Castleton Lyons. They only had two stallions when we toured it in 2004, but we were treated like visiting royalty on that farm tour. We were students, not mare owners! I still have my yellow Malibu Moon hat… and an affinity for that family. I hear he was difficult, but he was a doll for our tour.
There’s people, and more people. What do they know, know, know?
And enjoy the little Pink Houses when we experience them, because they are often fleeting?
It was so moving to look back on greatness, so thanks for that wonderful piece, Steve. After reading it, I cued up the Dubai World Cup, and I’m still shaking my head in disbelief. I remember being so disappointed with Arrogates’ last three races; in retrospect of course, something was terribly wrong. I took me back to 20 years ago or so, when I was a huge fan of a horse named Lost In the Fog, who in my eyes was brilliant, then taken so suddenly and so young. I puzzled over his last few races too, and in retrospect, just like Arrogate, there was something terribly wrong. As you said, the racing gods can be cruel. On a brighter note, I’m so proud to be one of the owners of Seize the Grey, who helped carry on Arrogate’s legacy, and hopefully someday he’ll be able to pass on that undefinable something special.
Hi Beth, I saw Lost in the Fog race twice at Golden Gate Fields. It was because of him that I first visited there. Yes, he was another brilliant talent gone far too soon.
I also loved Lost in the Fog. I knew something was wrong when he lost form and didn’t fire that year at the BC, and I was so sad. I never would have guessed tumor.
Lost in the Fog’s tragic story was that he was running with a threes massive cancerous tumors in his spleen and along his back. Lost in the Fog was euthanized 3 weeks after they discovered the tumors. The tumors had been there for almost a year.
One of the saddest stories ever, a story that seldom leaves my thoughts/heart.
He was incredible. One of my absolute favorites.
Any idea what will happen to his remains now? Silky Sullivan is buried at Golden Gate Fields, too.
Yes, I wondered about that also. It reminded me of when Hollywood Park was demolished, I believe it was Noor’s remains that were moved to Old Friends if I’m not mistaken, and I’m sure there were others. Also, in the current renovation of Belmont Park, I understand that Ruffian’s remains were moved from the infield to Claiborne Farm. I hope Lost In the Fog, Silky Sullivan and any others, are treated with the same respect.
Well said. A reminder that horses are living beings. I sometimes get lost in seeing them as names and numbers on a screen.
So appropriate that Arrogate was inducted into the Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2023.
Going back to necropsy. A leison was found in his neck on the spinal chord. It probably was the result of an injury of an unknown origin at some point in time.
When he was a yearling he was kicked in the mouth and two teeth had to be removed. He was z very active stallion. Very gentle but always playing, rearing up, twisting and turning. The breeding shed duties are also hard on these stallions. Several stallions have received neck injuries when covering mares. Then there was horrific start in the Dubai World Cup. The leison could have happened at any time and possibly irritated by subsequent events.
Royal Ascot will begin within a few hours but I can’t stay up to watch the festivities live unfortunately so good luck to those who can and the best of luck to you having a punt. The weather looks smashing for the five days of racing.
In the Queen Anne Stakes Gp 1, Dolayli looks a tantalizing bet at 16/1 while in the King Charles III Stakes Gp 1, Valliant Force is intriguing, again at 16/1 is worth a flutter even for the fun of losing everything. Ha ha it’s Royal Ascot after all. Enjoy the races.
PS: Hats off to Santa Anita for their almost perfect safety record over a 6 month period of racing. Best news to read.
Hi Davids:
As usual, I noticed it was being broadcast too late. I’m sure I’d already missed the big square off between Auguste Rodin and Inspiral when we got the tape rolling. Enjoy your tape delay when you’ve had a good nights’ sleep.
Ms Blacktype, you haven’t missed the Prince of Wales Stakes Gp 1, it’s on Wednesday at 4:25 pm English time which, I think, is around 11:25 am your time. I’ll have to watch the replay which is only half the fun but ‘needs must when the devil drives.’ Ha ha
Allez, Inspiral!! Fingers crossed she wins. Beware, Blue Rose Cen the English always undervalue the French horses.
Well, Ms Blacktype, Auguste Rodin finally found the going which allowed him to show his quality. Inspiral might have motherhood on her mind? Who will be the lucky groom?
Running Lion had me roaring, just made my day. Good on you, Oisin, you showed them!!
Arrogate was something to behold, however after Dubai….cooked! A sad story of a star crossed racing great.
This column and the comments below inspired me to re-watch the 2017 Dubai World Cup. Arrogate’s move was breathtaking. Talk about grit–and talent!
Nice to see my old faves Hoppertunity and Mubtaahij in there, too.
Steve, you description of Arrogate’s sense of magnificence always reminded me of the same sense of presence that Unbridled’s Song had, more so than Unbridled. Granted that everyone has differing opinions. I was a bit awestruck with Unbridled’s Song, neverthele, Arrogate appeared the obvious son to replace the dominant sire but this was not to be, alas.
For me, Arrogate’s win the Dubai World Cup was his magnus opus but that is merely a matter of opinion his other wins were just a startling to the eye/mind. His early departure is such a loss to the US breeders. Hopefully, one of his daughters is sent to Flightline in the near future.
Thank you, Steve, for this happy/sad rememberence of this champion racehorse who was somewhat enegmatic during his limited racing and stud career. Great loss.
I am not surprised at what a great sire he was and I wish that he could have had a long life. Thank you for a wonderful article about this great horse.
Thank you so much for your salute to a horse who is forever emblazoned in my memory. I never faltered in my admiration of him and am so glad his few progeny have only added to his luster. I just wish your site would allow me to copy your article to keep in my personal files of the best and brightest heroes of my horse-racing fan life–now more than 60 years and counting.
If you go to my Facebook page you can copy the link on there ..Facebook.com/Steve Haskinfanpage
Just wanted to add a few other things. This article gave us what most others hadn’t about Arrogate…all of his actual numbers and stats. His Thoro-Graph figures are really mind blowing, and in my opinion, are proof that in just four races, this horse had reached legendary status. To think, we had a 37 year drought end the year before,
in 2015, with American Pharoah winning the triple crown. It actually took a back seat to what Arrogate was doing on the track in 2016-2017. That, in itself, speaks volumes. This particular article by Mr Haskin, could be the best worded description, summary, article, I’ve read to date, about Arrogate’s journey. And Lord knows how many articles, blogs, posts I’ve read over the past eight years.
I totally agree, Robert!
Thank you very much, Robert. I appreciate the kind words
Amazing writing as usual …. He was a phenom and so glad I got to witness him in action! I am one of the micro-share owners of Seize The Grey and was teary eyed over his Preakness win and Pat Day Mile and hopefully he can carry on in some way, his sires’ legacy as one of the last crop!😢. Arrogate’s chapter can’t end yet… it’s too soon🥰
Thanks Linda and good luck with Seize the Grey.
I’ve been thinking what a great loss to racing and breeding Arrogate’s death was to racing for last 2 years.
Glorious writing – for a reason I cannot define, maybe because his flame
burned so briefly, I did not become as passionate about Arrogate as other Champions . This illuminating article
helps us to understand the hype and then some ! Thank you Steve Haskin. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, like seeing a truly great horse run!
Thank you very much Gail. I’m glad it helped you appreciate him more. That makes me feel good..
Beautifully written elegy to the great Arrogate. I never saw him in person, but like you, I felt his magnificence. Secretariat’s Belmont Stakes is certainly the greatest race I ever saw, but Arrogate’s Travers was a close second. No one could possibly expect to do the things Arrogate was able to do.
When he started losing, I knew something was wrong. Bob’s comment about losing weight on his withers, and the observation about his stride after he retired, suggest to me that the neurological problem that killed him was already at work. While he may not have any more sons (or daughters) in triple crown races, his legacy will live on for generations of horses to come. He was a great one.
Thank you Ms. B. I guess we’ll never know for sure.
I was having breakfast at Schwanie’s, the Los Al kitchen, and the “Chrome Boys” were standing on the deck, watching Chrome jog past….Bob wad fitting blinkers on Dortmund, for his Classic prep, and I said to Art “Bob wants the lead…”….Art’s son said “Let him TRY…”… well he did try, and Chrome was pressed hard, 1:09 flat—-Dortmund was leg weary, and Chrome came back blowing—I wonder if that race didn’t hurt his chances, against Arrogate, I di think using Dortmund to soften up Chrome likely caused Kaleem Shah to part ways, with Bob….looking back….getting beat a length to Arrogate, during that four-race span was a pretty good accomplishment! And the Dubai race was one of the greatest performances I’ve seen…and he did it in hand….that was a streak of greatness, for Bob, American Pharoah, Arrogate, Justify—and no doubt about who was best….whatever happened to him…he was not the same horse, at Del Mar, but he did nearly win the Pacific Classic….but you could see in Bob’s face— the concern he was having, after running one/two in the west’s biggest race—he knew something was wrong..
T%at BC Classic was one of thhe greatest races I ever saw..
The day before…I had $83 left on my voucher, and fashioned two big doubles, $42 Stellar Wind–Arrogate and $41 Beholder–Arrogate—-I really thought Chrome was up against it vs the big Grey colt… next day I was screaming for Chrome, while not having a dime on him….funny how Horse Racing can play like that, Arrogate was other worldly, the only other horses I saw that compared were Secretariat, Spectacular Bid and Flightline, and you’re right, Steve— four races were enough—
Not only was the 2016 Classic a great race…(they were 11 lengths clear of third place)….it was an all-time great ride—Mike kept zig-zagging Arrogate, keeping out of Victor’s sight. ..Art told me Victor blew it—I don’t think his ride mattered, Arrogate was amazing..
There will always be a bit of controversy surrounding the 2016 Classic.
Have watched the replay several times.
I drew my conclusions watching Chrome’s body language.
He was a very well trained horse, push button in fact.
Victor failed Chrome in that race. He took his eyes off Arrogate, thought he had the race won.
Chrome’s body language speaks loud and clear, he was confused by Victor’s failure to ask him to dig in and not let Arrogate by him.
I will stand by my comment forever.
Victor rode Chrome masterfully most of the time especially in the Dubai World Cup but on this day, in this race, he let Chrome down!
I think Victor admitted he waited too long. Definitely should have moved and try to get Arrogate off the bridle early.. But still took a tremendous performance to beat him
That 11 lengts is one of major reasons it was such a great race. Some terrific horses were well back. Smith had Espinoza looking over his right shoulder and left trying to find Arrogate/
I just watched it twice because I keep changing my mind. Chrome lost focus at the quarter pole because Victor wasn’t riding his own horse. He almost pulled himself up. If Victor drives him hard off the turn, maybe he opens up that extra length and holds on. Why turn it into a sprint when you have the best speed? I was never a Chromie, but he was sharp for that race. All said, it was nice to watch two really good horses again.
I was at Santa Anita for the 2016 Classic, at a special venue that had been created at the quarter pole. I was shocked that Victor kept looking over one shoulder and then the other, waiting on Arrogate, as this is where he’d always asked Chrome for his best. And clearly, Chrome was listening and waiting. His ears flicked back and forth asking for his cue. On the way to my car I spotted Chrome’s exercise rider talking with someone and stopped to listen in. He was complaining of Victor’s horrible ride.
RobinM, I saw the same from Chrome.
Chrome ran the fastest beyer speed figure of his entire career that day.There was nothing more Victor could have done.Chrome was motoring, but Arrogate’s powerful strides proved to be too much for him.
Victor blew the ride.
Arrogate was just better. Chromies just need to make excuses
Totally agree, Todd. Espinozer dropped the ball when he had the race in his keeping. He should have ‘gone’ for the wire instead he had California Chrome ‘on hold’ for a second which gave the momentum to Smith on Arrogate. That second cost California Chrome the race.
Jockeys are there to ride the horse to their best abilities not ‘showboating’ for their ego.
Davids, well stated!
Total agree Davids.
Such a poignant and beautifully written article by Mr Haskin.It brought tears to my eyes.The comet analogy is so appropriate when describing Arrogate’s brief but brilliant tenure on this planet.To say that he was loved, would be an understatement.I started a facebook group in 2017, that is all things Arrogate.The love for him not only made the group grow, but had some members actually develop relationships outside of the group, as well.So, in that sense, Arrogate is also responsible for bringing people together, and becoming actual friends in real life.Among all the great things this horse has done on the racetrack, and off it, this is yet another thing Arrogate needs to get full credit for doing.
Thank you Robert. I didnt know about the Facebook page.
Yes,Steve.Wanted to name the group akin to say a rock band one might idolize, so the first thing that came to mind was, “Arroheads”.It’s a private group that now has 1.7k members.Minus a lot of vetting, of course 🙂 Hey, we’d love to have you aboard, Steve!
Thank you for writing what so many of us have been feeling. I don’t think he’s finished amazing us just yet…
Thanks Steve for this amazing story, Arrogate reminds me of the loss of John Lennon, we will never get the opportunity to see what lied in store for these two greats.🥲
This article gave me goosebumps and tears in the first few paragraphs. I will have to continue reading later.
What a horse…you never know what you lossed until it’s gone.
Thank you Mr. Haskins for the article.
I will read it later.
Thank you for the part you read.
I was slow to warm up to Arrogate and if I am to be truly honest I much prefered California Chrome and Gun Runner.
The 2017 Dubai World Cup however changed that. I saw Arrogate in a totally different light after that dismal start and how he put everything he had in his heart and soul to win that night.
I have often thought that maybe it took everything he had and that something happened either at the start or during the race that was the beginning of the problem that eventually took his life three years later.
A devastating loss to sport. So much potential to have become a leading sire as evidenced by his three crops.
Hopefully one of Arrogate’s colts will carry on his legacy. Juddmonte has several of his fillies in their broodmare band. Hope there as well that his legacy will continue.
Thank you Steve for honoring Arrogate and what he achieved both on the track and the breeding shed in his brief life.
I was moved to tears as I read this.
Thank you Lynda. It was easy to root for all three of those horses.
I felt much like you, Lynda. I saw Arrogate as the “villain” when he defeated California Chrome in the 2016 BC Classic, the only one of Chrome’s races I saw in person. The fact I’m not a fan of his trainer didn’t help and I was slow to acknowledge Arrogate’s talent. But, when his offspring started putting his talent as a sire on display, I couldn’t help but wish he’d had many years of a good life and successful offspring to ensure his name lived on, though, the success of his only 3 crops at the highest level will do that on their own. BTW, I have a photo of California Chrome and Arrogate side by side in a van on my desk top. I wish I could attach it here. It’s one of my favorites.
Thank you, Lynda, for expressing exactly how I felt and feel about Arrogate. A strangely phenomenal steak, the sudden reversal, his too-early death. I wonder if you may also not be right about something going wrong with his health so early.
Ms. King, Steve Coburn felt the same regarding mistake Victor made in the race. One of our conversations entailed his opinion of events.
Still remember at the time the Saratoga years wasn’t the kindest to Baffert. He won an earlier sprint race on the card. Come the Travers al eyes were on the other Baffert runner. But my interest was that 11-1 shot who just won an allowance race over older horses. I thought Mike Smith is in to ride? Damn I smell something coming here. Ended up placing money to win on him and flowed him up with the other entry for the exacta. I couldn’t be ligue he just burned out of the gate and never looked back. After that those races against California Chrome were a blast. Super talent, gone way too soon.
Thank you Steve
Arrogate was fun to watch both in works and racing.
I was fortunate enough to shoot the turn for the BC that year. He and Mike were playing “hide and seek with Chrome and Victor. It was such an exciting race to watch how in tune they were .
Arrogate really was a great horse. (But my Pharoah is still “my boy”)
The world of thoroughbred breeding – especially breeding to race – is more alchemy than science. Arrogate was a special racehorse – the likes of whom we so rarely see. Would he sire special racehorses? I would say the verdict is in. He excelled in the breeding shed as surely as he did on the track. Sadly, as you so beautifully explained, we have seen the last of his get in the Classics. Will they continue on to race later? Will their babies be special? That all remains to be seen. I guess the next stallion’s progeny the world is anticipating with hope is Flightline. Will he create “magic in a bottle?” Only time will tell.
Truly one of the saddest losses in recent years. Still hard to grasp. Thanks Steve, for giving us the words that we could not articulate.
Thank-you for so eloquently articulating the reverence we all feel for Arrogate.
Thank you Steve. I’ve seen some marvelous race horses starting with the great Kelso(watched him live at Aqueduct, with my Dad smuggling in from the backstretch as I was underage). Arrogate had my jaw dropping. My all time 3 favorite races, all watched live but alas, not in person but through television, are Secretariat’s Belmont, Zenyatta’s Breeder’s Cup win and Arrogate ‘s Dubai World Cup.
I could not believe Arrogate was not mentioned once in the television coverage when his son Seize the Grey won the Preakness. I also was aware this year was Arrogate’s last 3 year old crop.
If you read my Preakness recap it is all about Seize the Grey’s breeding and Lukas’s conection with John Nerud who is instrumental in Arrogate;’s breeding.
I totally agree! Those are my 3 most exceptional races as well; they left me speechless.
Thanks Steve for this great article hoping arcangelo proves a great heir at stud🙏
This is a column that brings tears. Arrogate’s death at such a young age was a huge loss to racing and breeding, and you said it all.
Thank you!
Steve, thank you so much for writing this. I knew Arrogate was a remarkable horse, but I didn’t fully realize how remarkable until I read your column. I, too, was thinking recently of how sad it is that we won’t get to see any more of his foals in the Triple Crown races.
I got to see Arrogate galloping one of the mornings I was at Santa Anita in the summer of 2017. I’ll always be glad I had that chance.