In Race History: Fusaichi Pegasus Wins the Wood Memorial
- Kaeli Bartholomew
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Impressive From The Start: Fusaichi Pegasus’ Breeding, Sale, and Early Career
Expectations were high for Fusaichi Pegasus before he even set hoof on the track. The strapping bay son of Mr. Prospector impressed his breeder, Arthur B. Hancock III, who immediately nicknamed him “Superman.” The colt also left a lasting impression on Japanese entrepreneur Fusao Sekiguchi, who went to $4 million to purchase him at the 1998 Keeneland July Yearling Sale.
Fusaichi Pegasus made just one start as a juvenile, finishing a game second at Hollywood Park for trainer Neil Drysdale. He flourished at three, first breaking his maiden by a hand-ridden two lengths in his first start of the season and then holding off a determined The Deputy in the San Felipe (G2). Rather than facing The Deputy again in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) or traveling to Keeneland for the Blue Grass (G1), Drysdale chose to send his horse to New York for the Wood Memorial (G2).
[Watch: Fusaichi Pegasus win the San Felipe Stakes (G2)]
A Kentucky Derby Favorite: Fusaichi Pegasus in the Wood Memorial
Fusaichi Pegasus was late to the starting gate—as trainer Neil Drysdale pointed out after the race, “He likes to look around.” Though it took him a few extra minutes to get there, it took him virtually no time afterward to prove that sending him to the Wood Memorial was the correct choice.
Racing on a wet track and facing eleven other competitors for the first time, Fusaichi Pegasus showcased a powerful kick in the stretch that propelled him to an easy 4 ¼-length victory. He made his way back to the winner’s circle in his own time, continuing to take in the sights and sounds of Aqueduct. When he finally arrived, jockey Kent Desormeaux declared, “He’s a rebel with a cause.”
[Watch: Fusaichi Pegasus win the Wood Memorial (G2), plus interviews with connections]
After the Wood Memorial: Fusaichi Pegasus in the Kentucky Derby and $70 million Sale
The Wood Memorial victory cemented Fusaichi Pegasus as the Kentucky Derby favorite, and as expected, the colt roared home to a 1 ½-length victory. Some racing fans had Triple Crown dreams for “FuPeg,” as he came to be known, but he ultimately finished second in the Preakness Stakes and missed the Belmont Stakes due to injury.
In June 2000, it was reported that Coolmore Stud had acquired Fusaichi Pegasus for around $70 million and that he would retire to their Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, at the conclusion of that year’s racing season. The handsome colt returned in September with a win in the Jerome Handicap (G2) before finishing sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Fusaichi Pegasus stood at Ashford Stud from 2001 to 2020, when he was pensioned from stud duties. He lived out the remainder of his days at Ashford and was euthanized due to infirmities of old age on May 23, 2023.
[Watch: Fusaichi Pegasus win the 2000 Kentucky Derby]
Memories: Connections Remember Fusaichi Pegasus’ Personality
The connections of Fusaichi Pegasus shared their memories of the Kentucky Derby winner with Karen Johnson of BloodHorse following his passing. Trainer Neil Drysdale, breeder Arthur Hancock, and Ashford Stud’s Dermot Ryan are all quoted by Johnson.
“He was a challenging horse to train, actually," Neil Drysdale recalled. "He was rambunctious and had a lot of energy. He was a horse who you had to do something different with every day. Most horses enjoy a routine and he did not."
Arthur Hancock reminisced with, "He was the best-looking foal I think I've ever seen. Five of us were there when he foaled. He started looking at each one of us, like a dog would study you. He kind of turned his head as he looked at each of us. He was smart.”
And Dermot Ryan said, "Fu Peg was a fantastic racehorse and a colorful character.”
Conclusion: 100 Years of the Wood Memorial
As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Wood Memorial, Fusaichi Pegasus remains one of the race’s most memorable winners. His commanding performance at Aqueduct propelled him to Kentucky Derby glory—making him the most recent of eleven horses to win both races—and showcased the talent and personality that made him a standout on the track.
Sources & More Reading on Fusaichi Pegasus and the Wood Memorial:
American Classic Pedigrees: Fusaichi Pegasus
Paulick Report “Looking Back: Who Are The Best Winners of the Wood Memorial"
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