American Pharoah to Go Out in ‘Appropriate’ Farewell

American Pharoah to Go Out in ‘Appropriate’ Farewell: Retirement came in style for American Pharoah, who won the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) on Saturday at Keeneland. Not only did he win, but the son of Pioneerof The Nile dominated from start to finish. He gave fans the race they expected, especially after the disappointment of losing the Travers (GI) at Saratoga.

American Pharoah won the Triple Crown earlier this year, which puts him in elite company. He then won the Haskell (GI), before the small “bump” at Saratoga. After the connections contemplated retirement, they decided to run him one more time in the Classic, where he won.

What comes next? During the Breeders’ Cup Classic press conference, owner Ahmed Zayat believed there would be some kind of special sendoff for the colt. He sounded unsure of the exact details.

“Everybody asks me what’s next for American Pharoah,” Zayat said. “A Triple Crown winner should go out in a way that is appropriate of how he was embraced by the fans and the sport.”

“I said after the race, we’ll sit together and discuss what is an appropriate farewell sendoff in order to pay tribute to such a special animal.”

It turns out the retirement party is going to be held this month, according to Zayat Stables racing manager Justin Zayat.

On Twitter, he wrote “The champ will go to @coolmorestud tomorrow morning. A retirement party will be announced for late November.”

Later on, he gave a specific time.

“Pickup at 8am for the champ to leave to @coolmorestud.”

First, trainer Bob Baffert brought American Pharoah out casually this morning for media and other fans. He looked like a picture of good health, with his ears pricked and attentive eyes.

Baffert’s son Bode appeared as well. For his Halloween costume, he wore a wig and glasses to resemble his father, who is not the worst guy to emulate considering his training accomplishments.

American Pharoah ended his career on a high note in the Classic, winning by over six lengths.

“This is the greatest horse I’ll ever see,” Baffert proclaimed. “He is a champion. I am so glad that American Pharoah goes out the champion he is.”

“We’re are going to miss him.”

Fortunately for fans that miss American Pharoah, his team is doing everything they can to accommodate fans before the time comes. Right now, the Ashford Stud website offers no information on whether fans can visit the horse regularly in his new life. With a horse of this magnitude, that could change. Plus, the pending retirement party will at least give people a chance to say goodbye.

Either way, American Pharoah gave fans more than expected. He won the Two-Year-Old Male Eclipse Award, the Triple Crown, and is up for the Three-Year-Old Male Eclipse Award and Horse of the Year. He traveled a lot of miles too, with California as his base and his races happening east of the Rockies.

Now the colt gets to rest and “be a horse,” in addition to his stallion duties, for the rest of his life.

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