Crawford Ifland
John Velasquez celebrated winning the 137th Kentucky Derby (G. I) aboard Animal Kingdom on May 7, 2011. Photo by Crawford Ifland.
Anne M. Eberhardt/Blood-Horse, contact for all uses other than editorial
Animal Kingdom tribute and memorabilia in office Scenes at Denali Stud near Paris, Ky., on March 2, 2017, include farm manager Gary Bush with Keertana and her 2017 War Front colt, plus Animal Kingdom memorabilia.
Anne M. Eberhardt/Blood-Horse, contact for all uses other than editorial
Animal Kingdom sign Scenes at Denali Stud near Paris, Ky., on March 2, 2017, include farm manager Gary Bush with Keertana and her 2017 War Front colt, plus Animal Kingdom memorabilia.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom w/David Nava up is ponied by Graham Motion assistant David Rock at Fair Hill on May 12, 2011.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom w/David Nava up is ponied by Graham Motion assistant David Rock at Fair Hill on May 12, 2011.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom Godolphin stallions at Jonabell near Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 2, 2016.
Order This PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom Godolphin stallions at Jonabell near Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 2, 2016.
Order This PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom Godolphin stallions at Jonabell near Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 2, 2016.
Order This PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom Godolphin stallions at Jonabell near Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 2, 2016.
Order This PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom Godolphin stallions at Jonabell near Lexington, Ky., on Dec. 2, 2016.
Order This PhotoCourtesy of Darley
Animal Kingdom running in the paddock
Courtesy XLIBRIS Publishing
Barry Irwin's 2016 book about his experiences in racing and with Animal Kingdom
Anne M. Eberhardt
Graham Motion with Kentucky Derby trophy.
Dave Harmon
The Dubai World Cup trophy presentation with the connections of Animal Kingdom.
Order PhotoDave Harmon
The majority partners for Animal Kingdom hold the Dubai World Cup trophy.
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Animal Kingdom trainer Graham Motion and Sheikh Mohammed following the Dubai World Cup.
Order PhotoDave Harmon
Joel Rosario rode the 2011 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) victor to a two-length triumph in the Emirates Airline-sponsored $10 million event—the world's richest horse race —for trainer Graham Motion and owners Arrowfield Stud and Team Valor International.
Order PhotoMathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom and Joel Rosario running in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 30th, 2013.
Order PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom, forwardly placed on the outside of pacesetter Royal Delta in the 2,000-meter test (about 1 1/4 miles), took the lead rounding the final turn and opened up a daylight advantage in upper stretch.
Order PhotoMathea Kelley
The drought for America in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) came to an end March 30 when champion Animal Kingdom burst clear in the homestretch for a spectacular score at Meydan Racecourse.
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Joel Rosario and Animal Kingdom win the Dubai World Cup.
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Animal Kingdom crosses the finish line in the Dubai World Cup.
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Animal Kingdom ridden by jockey John Velazquez wins the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY May 7, 2011. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)
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Animal Kingdom ridden by jockey John Velazquez wins the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY May 7, 2011. (Skip Dickstein / Times Union)
Order PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Caption: Walkin-Animal Kingdom with John Velasquez up wins the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Kentucky Derby day at Churchill Downs near Louisville, Ky. on May 7, 2011 Derby1 image610 Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Order PhotoMathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom and John Velazquez at Royal Ascot after the Queen Anne Stakes June 18, 2013.
Order PhotoCoady Photography
Animal Kingdom works at Keeneland.
Courtesy Darley
Animal Kingdom running in the paddock Photo Courtesy Darley
December 14, 2013 Issue 50 cover of the Blood-Horse featuring Animal Kingdom
Rick Samuels
Team Valor's Animal Kingdom (red cap) John Velazquez up, wins the 137th Kentucky Derby. Nehro (far right) finished second and Mucho Macho Man (center) was third.
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Animal Kingdom at Lambourn, England for the Royal Ascot meet.
Dave Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
Order This PhotoMathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom wins the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
Order This PhotoMathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom wins the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
Order This PhotoMathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom at Meydan in Dubai.
Order This PhotoDubai Racing Club/Andrew Watkins
Animal Kingdom wins the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom wins the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 28, 2013.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 28, 2013.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 28, 2013.
Order This PhotoMathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 28, 2013.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 27, 2013.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 27, 2013.
Order This PhotoDubai Racing Club/Andrew Watkins
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 26, 2013.
Dubai Racing Club/Neville Hopwood
Animal Kingdom - Dubai March 25, 2013.
Dave Harmon
Animal Kingdom at the 2012 Breeders' Cup.
Order This PhotoDave Harmon
Animal Kingdom - Breeders' Cup 2012
Order This PhotoClaire Novak
Animal Kingdom at Santa Anita.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom jogs at Santa Anita 10/28/2012.
Order This PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom jogs at Santa Anita 10/28/2012.
Order This PhotoAnne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom jogs at Santa Anita 10/28/2012.
Order This PhotoKeeneland/Coady Photography
Animal Kingdom - Keeneland Work October 26, 2012
Keeneland/Coady Photography
Animal Kingdom - Keeneland Work October 26, 2012
Keeneland/Coady Photography
Animal Kingdom - Keeneland Work October 26, 2012
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom Allowance Win, 02/18/12.
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom Allowance Win, 02/18/12.
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom Allowance Win, 02/18/12.
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom Allowance Win, 02/18/12.
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom Allowance Win, 02/18/12.
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom at Palm Meadows, January 12, 2012.
Coglianese Photos
Animal Kingdom at Palm Meadows, January 12, 2012.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont on June 8, 2011.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont on June 8, 2011.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom schools in the gate at Belmont Park.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont June 2011.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont on June 2011.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont on June 6, 2011.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont on June 5, 2011.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom at Belmont on June 5, 2011.
Chad Harmon
Shackleford beats Animal Kingdom to win the Preakness Stakes.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom at Fair Hill, 05/12/11.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom at Fair Hill, 05/12/11.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom at Fair Hill, 05/12/11.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom at Fair Hill, 05/12/11.
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Skip Dickstein
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Skip Dickstein
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Skip Dickstein
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Dave Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Skip Dickstein
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Chad Harmon
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Rick Samuels
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom works at Churchill Downs 5/4/2011.
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom works at Churchill Downs 5/4/2011.
Anne M. Eberhardt
Animal Kingdom works at Churchill Downs.
Keeneland/Coady Photography
Animal Kingdom works at Keeneland on April 23, 2011.
Pat Lang
Animal Kingdom wins the 2011 Vinery Racing Spiral.
Skip Dickstein
Mathea Kelley
Animal Kingdom won the 2013 Dubai World Cup.
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Stakes results from the holiday weekend are a reminder of the importance of 2-year-old racing in the yearling marketplace...especially for the younger stallions trying to build their résumés and for sires that stand below the five-figure line.
The 2-year-old daughter of Animal Kingdom became the first stakes winner for her sire June 30 in the $100,000 Debutante Stakes around 10:30 p.m. EDT, and Normandy Farm owner Polk, also Sunny Skies' breeder, was on hand.
Two California-breds from Kim McCarthy's McCarthy Bloodstock Agency consignment brought the highest prices at the Barretts May 2-year-old sale, held May 17 at Del Mar.
Sunny Skies, bred and raced by Nancy Polk's Normandy Farm, won a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at Keeneland by nine lengths. The filly is trained by Ken McPeek.
Arrowfield homebred Earth Angel, out of grade 1 winner and Australian champion Miss Finland, won by half a length at first asking March 8 at Ballarat.
Stud fees for Medaglia d'Oro and Bernardini unchanged at $150,000 and $100,000, respectively.
The first yearlings by Darley's Kentucky Derby winner have been lauded for their intelligence.
An Animal Kingdom filly, a daughter of Frankel, Songbird's half sister, and the only colt by War Front in the sale highlight the potential top sellers at the Aug. 8 session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale.
In our first installment we focused on the new stallions with a half-dozen or more yearlings in the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July sale. Here we will look at 11 other stallions—those that had 50 or more foals in their first crop.
Classic winner Animal Kingdom will get a rest in Kentucky for the second half of 2016 rather than heading to Australia for the Southern Hemisphere breeding season.
Died due to injuries from a paddock accident.
Barry Irwin's new book is part autobiography and part the behind-the-scenes story of Animal Kingdom.
Trainer Graham Motion and owner Team Valor International, who teamed to win the 2011 Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom before later going their separate ways, are back with another promising 3-year-old in Kasseopia.
Wide Range, an 11-year-old half sister to 2015 champion 2-year-old filly Songbird, has been purchased privately in Thailand by Team Valor International, which plans to breed the mare this spring.
The Book 1 portion of Magic Million's Gold Coast yearling sale closed Jan. 9 with a Fastnet Rock filly selling for Aus$1 million (US$695,300), bringing number of seven-figures sellers to a record six for the four-day session.
Jockey John Velazquez has competed at racetracks around the world during his Hall of Fame career, but the 44-year-old rider will be breaking new ground when he heads to Australia Jan. 2.
A Deep Impact half brother to 2011 U.S. champion 3-year-old male and Central Kentucky stallion Animal Kingdom won his Dec. 27 debut at Nayakama Racecourse in Japan in the day's fourth race.
Medaglia d'Oro will command a $150,000 fee next year as he heads Darley's Northern American roster of 14 stallions for 2016, the operation announced Oct. 27.
Team Valor International has bought unbeaten Brazilian champion filly Juno, who recently captured Brazil's equivalent of the One Thousand Guineas in winning for the fifth time in as many career starts.
Classic-winning trainer Graham Motion picked up the 2,000th victory of his training career Tuesday, June 9 when Rachel Wall overwhelmed a short field to win the seventh race at Delaware Park.
Kentucky-based horseman Roderick Wachman secured a Medaglia d'Oro colt for $230,000 (US$180,276), the highest price at the platinum session for weanlings at the Inglis Australian broodmare and weanling sale May 3.
When the connections of Bolo look for a reason why the third-place Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) finisher could jump up and win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands, the dirt surface at Churchill Downs provides hope.
California Chrome will try to become the latest Kentucky Derby (gr. I) victor to also find success on the turf, joining the likes of recent Derby winners who excelled on grass like Animal Kingdom, Big Brown, and Barbaro.
Keeneland November's market appeared stable and strong at the top Nov. 7, with a $550,000 Unbridled's Song broodmare out of Desert Stormer and a $290,000 Pioneerof the Nile weanling colt finishing as the top lots.
Animal Kingdom, it turns out, played an important role in Main Sequence's success in the United States with trainer Graham Motion.
Serena's Song, Animal Kingdom Foal, Saratoga, Ellis Park, Monmouth, Del Mar & More. view slideshow
The first foal by champion Animal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brand's (gr. I) and 2013 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), was born this week at John Messara's Arrowfield Stud in Australia.
Team Valor's Barry Irwin and philanthropist and equestrian Victoria McCullough will be honored at Equine Advocates 13th Annual Awards Dinner and Charity Auction July 25.
What kept Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom performing at his best as he traveled the world? His trainer Graham Motion explains. watch video
What kept Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom performing at his best as he traveled the world? His trainer Graham Motion explains.
The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced Feb. 13 that the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund is distributing more than $10 million in awards for 2013 races.
Images from Open Houses at Kentucky Farms in 2014. View Slideshow
A visual look at some of the new sires for 2014, arranged in in alphabetical order. View Slideshow
Black Caviar, Treve, and Wise Dan are to be recognized as the three top horses in the Longines World's Best Racehorse Ceremony at the gala dinner of the Longines Hong Kong International Races Dec. 6 in Hong Kong.
Darley's roster also adds Denman, Australia's leading first-crop sire and a son of Lonhro, who became Darley's first reverse shuttler in 2012.
I felt the deep satisfaction that comes from knowing a horse is good, from knowing you've witnessed his best moments. The 2012 Mile was proof a great runner can come from anywhere.
Wise Dan, the reigning North American Horse of the Year, has been surpassed by 3-year-old filly Treve on the list of "World's Best Racehorse Rankings."
Arrowfield Farm in Australia reported six mares have been confirmed in foal to Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Animal Kingdom, who began his stud career Down Under.
With three group I wins in Australia this season, female sprinter Black Caviar is the top-ranked Thoroughbred through the first half of the year on the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings.
View the sights and races from the Royal Ascot race meet.
Declaration of War burst between horses and charged down the center of the track to win the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-I) June 18 at Royal Ascot while U.S.-based Animal Kingdom failed to settle and faded out of contention.
In the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities' latest "World's Best Racehorses Rankings" for performances from Dec. 1, 2012, to June 9 of this year, three of the top four rated horses were based in the U.S.
United States-based star Animal Kingdom appears poised to solidify his place among racing's all-time greats June 18 in the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-I), the first race on opening day at Royal Ascot.
Animal Kingdom continues his preparations for Royal Ascot. Also comments from his connections, including trainer Graham Motion. Watch Video
HRTV will provide live coverage of the Royal Ascot meet, beginning Tuesday, June 18 and continuing through Saturday, June 22.
A look back on the career of John Velazquez, as he records his 5,000th NA win. View Slideshow
With Animal Kingdom headlining the proceedings for American viewers, TVG will present live coverage of the five-day Royal Ascot race meet beginning June 18.
A press conference with the connections of Animal Kingdom. Hear from Graham Motion, Barry Irwin, and John Messara. Learn why they chose to go with jockey John Velazquez. Watch Video
In less than a week, 5-year-old Animal Kingdom, winner of the 2011 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and the Dubai World Cup (gr. I), will start in the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot.
A press conference with the connections of Animal Kingdom. Hear from Graham Motion, Barry Irwin, and John Messara. Learn why they chose to go with jockey John Velazquez.
| Trainer | H. Graham Motion |
|---|---|
| Jockey | Joel Rosario |
| Owner | Team Valor International |
| Breeder | Team Valor |
| Animal Kingdom View Five-Cross Pedigree | Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) | Candy Stripes |
| Dissemble (GB) | ||
| Dalicia (GER) | Acatenango (GER) | |
| Dynamis (IRE) |
| Sale / Hip | Type | Buyer | Consignor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KEESEP2009 Hip 632 |
Yearling | Team Valor International | Denali Stud, agent | $100,000 |
| I'm a Rock |
| Arrogate |
| Songbird |
| American Gal |
| Princess Victoria |
| Tapwrit |
| Always Dreaming |
| Irap |
| Shaman Ghost |
| Fall At Last |
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