October 27, 2015–He’s been called the “Twelfth Wonder of the World,” and indeed, when American Pharoah clinched the coveted Triple Crown on June 6, he became the first Thoroughbred racehorse in 37 years to achieve an honor so elusive that only 11 other horses in history can claim it.
In its November issue—released on the eve of the Breeders’ Cup Classic—EQUUS magazine, the Horse Owner’s Resource, offers a special report on this rarest of champions, with an introduction by best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand of Seabiscuit fame. “With this issue, we not only wanted to celebrate American Pharoah’s Triple Crown, but also to understand more about the horse and what makes him special,” said Laurie Prinz, editor and associate publisher of EQUUS.
How is it that this seemingly cool, collected colt with the misspelled name and the chewed-short tail could do what countless others had failed to do, winning stakes races at three different distances, over different tracks and surfaces, against the best American racing has to offer? How did his breeding, training and temperament contribute to his success, and where does he rank among such turf immortals as Man o’ War and Secretariat? Finally, when all is said and done, what does American Pharoah’s astonishing accomplishment mean for the future of Thoroughbred racing and breeding?
With help from award-winning turfwriters Jay Hovdey and William Nack, noted veterinarians Reynolds Cowles and Larry Bramlage, and pioneering farrier Wes Champagne, EQUUS examines all this and more: from the advances in veterinary medicine and management practices that made such a feat possible to the roles played by conformation, biomechanics and even earplugs and custom horseshoes.
Look to EQUUS’ Special Report for a unique look at “Pharoah” as he attempts a first-ever “Grand Slam” in the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup Classic, his last scheduled race before retirement.
