WOODFORD COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– A rainy morning was fitting for another day in the spotlight for a famous Kentucky horse who made his mark on muddy tracks.
Monday morning the Coolmore America, Ashford Stud staff showed Justify to his new barn and stall, welcoming him with open arms.
“He’s a very, very classy horse,” said Adrian Mansergh-Wallace, a staff member of Coolmore America. “You see the way he came off the van there. All the press around. He didn’t even turn a hair.”
Justify was born on nearby Glenwood Farm. His breeders, who were at his homecoming, say although they’re sad to see him leave, they’re so excited to come by for a visit whenever they can.
“To see a horse that we bred on the farm carry on in the stud book is, you know, it makes history for us and it’s really nice to see one of our family members go on and do all that,” said Tanya Gunther, Justify’s breeder.
His new barn is also home to another Triple Crown winner, American Pharaoh. But Monday was all about Justify.
“He’s [Justify has] always been a happy horse,” said Bob Baffert, Justify’s trainer. “You know, he’s always been alert, watch him wherever he goes, he’s a very curious horse. But he knows he is the man. I’m sure if he was in the field with a bunch of stallions, he would be the guy. He would rule the paddock.”
So what’s up next for this superstar racehorse? Adjusting and breeding.
“The book will be stellar,” said Mansergh-Wallace. “We’ll probably send between 40-50 of our own mares and, you know, I think he’ll be supported by some of the best international breeders.”
Fans can expect tours to see Justify beginning in October.
