Breeders’ Cup Diaries: The Pharoah Arrives

I woke up in the best possible mood this morning because our Triple Crown winner American Pharoah was arriving to take on the Breeders’ Cup Classic this Saturday at Keeneland. The fact that there was a little weather coming down didn’t put a damper on my spirit, and I hopped out of bed well before sunrise, donned my rain gear and headed out to the track to check out some of the Breeders’ Cup contenders as I waited for American Pharoah to come to the Bluegrass State.

I wasn’t alone: there were quite a few brave souls out enjoying the beauty of Thoroughbreds training for the World Championships of horse racing.

I saw Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile contender Cocked and Loaded, who seemed to be enjoying the brisk fall weather.

Hall of Fame racehorse Lava Man was out; he’s now a pony horse, escorting his four-legged protégés around the track.

Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff contender I’m a Chatterbox had her trainer Larry Jones aboard for her gallop, and he had to work hard to keep her from moving into high gear. She’s ready to run!

After spending the middle part of the day getting dry while doing a little busy work on the website, it was time for the big event: American Pharoah’s arrival. I headed down to the barn area to welcome him, as well as to take some photos and run the Periscope for ABR. (If you’re not on Periscope, I highly recommend it! It’s an app that lets you see and hear everything the host does, as well as ask questions. It’s awesome!)
I arrived at the barn a little early so I ducked underneath an awning to stay out of the rain, where I was lucky enough to see my pal Honor Code. He’s a Breeders’ Cup Classic contender, and I have a lot of love for this handsome and talented horse.

Hey, boo.
After a few minutes, a stir went through the assembled crowd of reporters and photographers as American Pharoah’s van pulled into sight.

As the rain came down, a crew hastily assembled the ramp that American Pharoah and his trusty pony companion Smokey would use to exit the van.

A few moments later, American Pharoah’s head peeped out of the van, and soon the Triple Crown winner emerged and set foot onto Keeneland soil for the first time.

As he exited his ride, American Pharoah poked his tongue out at his admirers, hamming it up for the cameras and assembled masses.

He then made his way to the barn under the scarlet leaves of the fall foliage as phones and cameras recorded his every move.

He was followed by his faithful companion Smokey the pony, who has his own loyal fanbase. (I am proud to count myself amongst them – in fact, I actually own a Smokey-themed T-shirt. 

After American Pharoah and Smokey entered the barn, I secured a spot where he’d pass by me as he stretched his legs taking laps around the shedrow, which is the name for the pathway that circles the stalls in a stable. It was such a thrill to be up close and personal with the Pharoah. The horse is such a ham – he absolutely loves the photographers clustered around him, and he stopped to mug for the cameras at every chance he got.

In fact, at one point he dragged his groom to a halt, then meandered over to my group to literally sniff out what the commotion was. It was such an indescribably cool moment, and it made me fall in love with American Pharoah all over again.

After that brief but brilliant interaction, it was time for American Pharoah to enter his temporary home at Keeneland for the evening as he got ready for his first gallop here in preparation for the final race of his outstanding career this Saturday in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Thank you so much for joining me today, and I’ll be back tomorrow with even more action from horse racing’s world championships!