It's Official: Justify to Stand at Ashford Stud

The long-anticipated deal between the owners of Justify and Coolmore America regarding the Triple Crown winner's stallion career has been accepted, WinStar Farm announced Sept. 14.

"After much deliberation with all the partners, we've decided to accept Coolmore's offer to stand Justify," said Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager of WinStar Farm. "As you can imagine, this is a bittersweet moment for all of us connected to this special horse, who gave us the ultimate thrill of a lifetime. We believe strongly in Justify as a stallion, and the ownership group has retained breeding rights. We look forward to supporting him at Ashford Stud."

Campaigned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, and Starlight Racing and trained by Bob Baffert, Justify, a son of the late Scat Daddy, left an indelible mark on racing in his historic 3-year-old season. He won all six of his starts and banked $3,798,000.

"Justify was a truly exceptional racehorse," said Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan in a statement. "There is a reason only 13 horses have won the Triple Crown. It takes an extraordinary horse to achieve such a difficult feat.

"It is such a privilege to be around greatness, and to have the best son of the much-missed Scat Daddy standing here is fantastic. His sons have made an immediate impact at stud, and Justify has all the right credentials to continue Scat Daddy's legacy. He is just breathtaking to look at, an outstanding individual, and fantastic mover. He's got everything you look for in a stallion."

A stud fee for Justify will be announced at a later date.

Justify's meteoric rise to prominence began with a 9 1/2-length romp in his Feb. 18 unveiling at Santa Anita Park. After just two starts, he powered to a three-length win in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

BALAN: Justify Powers to Santa Anita Derby Victory

Justify broke the "Curse of Apollo" with his victory in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) by 2 1/2 lengths May 5, becoming the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win the Derby without starting as a 2-year-old. He captured the Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course in gate-to-wire fashion May 19 and became the 13th Triple Crown winner with a 1 3/4-length triumph in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) June 9. He is the first undefeated Triple Crown winner since Seattle Slew in 1977.

WINCZE HUGHES: Justify 13th Triple Crown Winner After Belmont Victory

"We are thankful to everyone involved with Justify, and are excited to have him at Coolmore," said M.V. Magnier (Coolmore also stands 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ). "It is an amazing achievement for Bob Baffert and his team to have developed the careers of two Triple Crown winners in just four years.

"American Pharoah's first crop of yearlings are outstanding and have been very well received by the market. I am in no doubt that Justify will prove equally successful."