By Press Release — The Breeders’ Cup Classic and Kentucky Derby winner, has been retired to B. Wayne Hughes’ Spendthrift Farm in Lexington, Ky., where he will stand in 2021 for a fee of $75,000 standing and nursing.
“Authentic is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of horse, and Mr. Hughes is very proud that we are able to share him with 5,300-plus MyRacehorse owners through what has been an incredible run,” said Ned Toffey, general manager at Spendthrift. “That alone made this decision different and very difficult. Ultimately, we just felt there wasn’t a lot more to accomplish for a Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, so we have made the decision to retire Authentic to stand alongside his champion sire Into Mischief.
“We believe in the sire line and feel Authentic is a big part of its future,” he continued. “It is very rare that you come across a 3-year-old as well-bred, talented and accomplished as Authentic. We cannot wait to see his contributions to the breed, and we’re thrilled to continue his journey with all of the 5,300 MyRacehorse owners from the racetrack to the breeding shed.”
Trained by Bob Baffert, Authentic punctuated a likely championship 3-year-old campaign with a decisive 2 1/4-length victory in Saturday’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland under jockey John Velazquez, defeating six Grade 1 winners 1:59.19 — the fastest time in the prestigious race since Ghostzapper in 2004.
By reigning champion sire Into Mischief, Authentic became his sire’s most accomplished horse to date, moving his earnings to $6,191,200 with his sixth win from eight starts. Along with the Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic, Authentic scored victories in the Haskell (G1), San Felipe (G2) and Sham (G3), and was runner-up in the Preakness (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) in his lone defeats in 2020. Authentic captured his lone start at 2 at Del Mar nearly a year ago to the date.
Bred in Kentucky by Peter Blum, Authentic is out of the Mr. Greeley mare Flawless. He was campaigned by Spendthrift, MyRacehorse, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables.
7 Responses
Strangely enough ,the other 3 yr old Tiz the Law, just about Horse of the Year,
and then Poof? A couple of bad races in a row and All’s Quiet with that horse whose connections were adding up the Honeymoon barn money for years to come. Which are the other options but to rest him and try again ?? Different trainer, jockey and distances? Forget about the 2020 latest months, cut the reputation losses and start again or just relax before some ailments come up. Maybe a ” private” sale could be the best thing and leave the to someone else’s. Nothing personal, it’s just gambling business and we Always know more than the other guy. Greedy egomaniacs. PS: Became a Whitmore fan, a consistent, mature, real macho horse. Another feel good story.
With the exception of a poorly executed ride, the Tiz team has done absolutely nothing wrong. To the contrary, they’re the same people that won the Florida Derby, Belmont, Travers and was second to the Horse of the Year favorite. I’d sign for that every day of my life.
Jack Knowlton would never leave Barclay, never–nor should he. Those folks really are family. Let’s see what happens to the 4YO Tiz. It just might be that he was precocious and that’s the highest level he will reach. One bad performance is no reason to panic.
For a NY Bred, they couldn’t feel happier with what Tiz has done on the track. So, he’s not out of Into Mischief, but that’s nothing to hang your head over. It’s like feeling lesser by not being Wayne Gretzky.
Tiz has had a hell of a year, and has stamped himself as a serious horse. True he might have maxed out early- I hope not, but it’s possible. I’m sure Manny Franco has ridden him for the final time.
Doc, In full disclosure, I wasn’t sure when other of three Classic contenders to choose; those choices were Improbable, Tom’s d’Etat and Authentic so I led with my heart. I’m a big Tiz have, have been since he was two and those words have been well documented. But as a handicapper going forward, I must consider the possibility that he has done all the developing he is going to. I hope not, but must acknowledge that. No one can afford to consistently wear their equine hearts on their sleeves.
Yeah to be honest my choice wasn’t really locked in until Bafferts horse ran big winning that competitive race 3 on Saturday and then seeing Gamine just lay waste to the F&M Sprint. That gave me strong reason to believe Authentic was a serious threat to repeat the -3 TG fig instead of bouncing. pairing there was going to be enough to win the Classic. My Baffert cynicism paid off there.
For full disclosure, I got destroyed by the 2yo fare on Friday and needed a Valiance upset in the Distaff to have any shot at showing a profit, so it was too little too late for me but such is horse racing
Not to make you feel worst but the exacta with Monomoy paid extremely well, I boxed but better Valiance to win, so I feel your pain on that one, Doc…
Very Nice job – it was a great exacta for sure.
Live and learn, and on to Aqueduct!!