VERSAILLES, Ky.– Fusaichi Pegasus, the 2000 Kentucky Derby winner, has actually passed away. He was 26.
He was euthanized Tuesday at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, due to the imperfections of old age, the farm stated Wednesday.
Nicknamed “Fu Peg,” he was acquired as a yearling for $4 million by Fusao Sekiguchi at the 1998 Keeneland July sale. He was trained by Hall of Famer Neil Drysdale.
Fusaichi Pegasus won the San Felipe Stakes and Wood Memorial prior to winning the 2000 Kentucky Derby as the 2-1 preferred, the very first time a favorite had actually won given that 1979.
Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Fusaichi Pegasus won the Derby by 1 1/2 lengths over Ability. He likewise ended up being the highest-priced horse acquired at public auction to win the Derby. He ended up second in the Preakness.
He retired with 6 wins in 9 profession starts and incomes of $1,994,400.
He started his stud profession in 2001 at Ashford, with Coolmore paying a reported $60 million for his stallion rights, a record at the time. He sired 6 champs around the globe and such Grade 1 stakes winners as Bandini, Champ Pegasus, Haradasun and Roman Ruler. He carried out stallion responsibilities in the southern hemisphere that produced Bronzo, who won horse of the year. His stud profession ended in 2020.
” Fu Peg was a wonderful racehorse and a vibrant character,” Ashford Stud basic supervisor Dermot Ryan stated.
