American Pharoah's career flying

Recent race and sales results have ensured Triple Crown winner American Pharoah will be a major drawcard for this year’s Ontrack Racing Hunter Valley Horse and Wine Tour.

The son of Pioneer Of The Nile shuttles from America to stand at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley and he’s making headlines in the Northern Hemisphere from his first crop.

His first yearlings sold for up to $2.2 million and on the racetrack his first runner Monarch of Egypt bolted in for legendary trainer Aiden O’Brien while Maven was a debut winner at Aqueduct in the US for Wesley Ward and is heading to Royal Ascot.

This week a colt by American Pharoah was sold for 1.1 million euros at the Deauville breeze up sale.

“Last spring was the first time the Ontrack Tour got a close-up look at American Pharoah and the horse didn’t disappoint,” said Ontrack’s Grant Morgan.

“He’s a lovely stallion and a very athletic individual and it comes as no surprise that he’s making headlines with his first Northern Hemisphere crop.

“This year’s Hunter Valley trip will be unique in that Coolmore Stud will present two Triple Crown winners in Justify and American Pharoah.

“That’s going to be something truly remarkable.

“It was interesting that the American Pharoah colt at Deauville was purchased by Coolmore’s MV Magnier.

“Coolmore is never afraid to back their stallions and this colt will head to legendary French trainer Andre Fabre’s famed Chantilly stable.

“The colt was purchased at last September’s Keenland Sale for $US275,000 so it’s a great pin hook result for Grove Stud.
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“If you have the right horse for these breeze up sales the results can be very, very lucrative,” said Grant Morgan.