Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Angel of Empire has been retired and can be part of the roster at Taylor Made Stallions for the upcoming breeding season. He’ll stand for $7,500 S&N. Breeders may have a possibility to earn a lifetime breeding proper to the earner of greater than $1.4 million.
“Angel of Empire is an A-plus bodily with a terrific thoughts to match,” mentioned his coach Brad Cox. “He was probably the greatest 3-year-olds of his crop, danced each dance, and introduced his ‘A’ recreation each time.”
Racing for Albaugh Household Stables, Angel of Empire competed completely in stakes at 3. Below assured dealing with from jockey Flavien Prat within the $1.25 million Arkansas Derby in 2023 at Oaklawn Park, Angel of Empire swept into competition on the far flip of the 1 1/8-mile fixture. He gained command into the stretch and powered dwelling to attain by a romping 4 1/4 lengths, incomes 100 qualifying factors for the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Angel of Empire entered the Arkansas Derby off a decisive win within the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Honest Grounds Race Course & Slots. In profitable his graded stakes debut, Angel of Empire displayed gusto, charging between horses within the stretch to win the 1 1/8-mile check going away from subsequent Kentucky Derby runner-up Two Phil’s .
On the energy of his Arkansas Derby and Risen Star victories, Angel of Empire was despatched off as the favourite within the 149th operating of the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. In a recreation and decided effort on the primary Saturday in Could, Angel of Empire rallied strongly to complete a fast-closing third behind Mage and Two Phil’s. He ran a career-best 104 Beyer Velocity Determine within the Derby, a determine he equaled within the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) two begins later. Making what could be the ultimate begin of his profession within the Jim Dandy, Angel of Empire completed a detailed third to 2022 champion 2-year-old male Forte and eventual grade 1 winner Saudi Crown in a troubled journey.
“We’re very excited to face Angel of Empire alongside our different stallion at Taylor Made, Not This Time,” mentioned Jason Loutsch of Albaugh Household Stables. “Much like him and Thousand Phrases, one other promising younger sire we campaigned, Angel of Empire is an incredible bodily who excelled over the basic distances whereas nonetheless being a precocious 2-year-old. We’ll assist him within the launch of his stallion profession and are excited to get began.”
Whereas Angel of Empire, a son of 2016 champion 2-year-old male Basic Empire , thrived over a route of floor, he was precocious sufficient to interrupt his maiden on debut in August of his 2-year-old season, profitable a one-mile maiden particular weight at Horseshoe Indianapolis. All instructed, Angel of Empire hit the board in seven of 9 lifetime begins, banking $1,489,375.
“Angel of Empire is as handsome of a first-year sire you will note this 12 months, and on this business market, huge and fairly sells,” mentioned Travis White, director of gross sales for Taylor Made Stallions. “A formidable debut winner at 2 who developed right into a grade 1-winning 3-year-old and the favourite for the Kentucky Derby, Angel of Empire is a horse that may present breeders actual worth with the chance for a big return on their funding.”
This press launch has been edited for content material and elegance by BloodHorse Workers.
