Associated Press May 24 2023 8:11pm ET1 minute read
VERSAILLES, Kentucky – Fusaichi Pegasus, winner of the 2000 Kentucky Derby, has died. he was 26
He was euthanized Tuesday at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, due to age-related infirmities, the farm announced Wednesday.
Nicknamed “Fu Peg”, he was purchased as a yearling for US$4 million by Fusao Sekiguchi at the 1998 Keeneland July auction. He was trained by Hall of Famer Neil Drysdale.
Fusaichi Pegasus won the San Felipe Stakes and the Wood Memorial before winning the 2000 Kentucky Derby as a 2-1 favorite, the first time a favorite had won since 1979.
Under Kent Desormeaux, Fusaichi Pegasus won the derby by 1 1/2 lengths over Aptitude. He was also the highest-priced horse bought at public auction to win the Derby. He finished second in Preakness.
He retired with six wins in nine career starts and $1,994,400 in earnings.
He began his stud career in 2001 at Ashford, where Coolmore reportedly paid $60 million for his stallion rights, a record at the time. He sired six champions around the world and first class winners such as Bandini, Champ Pegasus, Haradasun and Roman Ruler. He was active as a stallion in the southern hemisphere and produced Bronzo, who was awarded Horse of the Year. His deck career ended in 2020.
“Fu Peg was a fantastic racehorse and a colorful character,” said Ashford Stud General Manager Dermot Ryan.