Authentic after winning the San Felipe with Drayden Van Dyke aboard- Benoit Photo
Authentic, winner of the 2020 Kentucky Derby and Breeders Cup Classic, has been crowned Horse of the Year and Champion 3-year-old honors at Thursday’s Eclipse Awards.
He won the G1 Haskell S. in July, looking a winner every step of the way, before heading to Louisville.
In the Kentucky Derby with Hall of Famer John Velazquez at the controls for the first time, Authentic took them every step at Churchill, proving that his all-conquering sire’s progeny could indeed stay a Classic distance.
In November during the G1 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, Authentic treated a classy field including Eclipse Award winner Improbable (City Zip), former champion Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) and G1 Belmont S. and Eclipse Award runner-up Tiz the Law (Consititution) to a 2.3L beating.
A stellar season for Authentic was capped by his 2.25l victory in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic which was judged to be his standout performance of the year with a rating 126.
This placed him second overall in the World Best Horse rankings held in London on Tuesday night and made him the world’s best 3-year-old and highest-rated dirt horse.
Authentic is now at stud at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, which comprised one part of his large syndicate of owners during his racing days. The group included MyRacehorse Stable, with members in every state in America and from more than 20 countries around the world.
“This is a big deal for me. I wish all owners could have the same experience and I’m happy to be a part of this,” said Spendthrift owner B. Wayne Hughes.
“I think his [stud] career is going to be great. But who knows, God’s in charge of that.”
By reigning champion sire Into Mischief, Authentic became his sire’s most accomplished horse to date, with earnings of $6,191,200 from six wins in eight starts. Authentic scored victories in the San Felipe (G2) and Sham (G3), and was runner-up in the Preakness (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) in his lone defeats.
Authentic won his debut and only start at two at Del Mar.
Authentic was one of two Eclipse winners Thursday evening for Into Mischief and becomes the third son of Into Mischief to stand at Spendthrift, joining Goldencents and Maximus Mischief.
Authentic hails from the female family of G1 winners Reynaldothewizard, Seventh Street, American Gal and is bred on a cross over Gone West-line mares responsible for Into Mischief’s GISW Mia Mischief and other graded winners Engage, Mischievous Alex, Sombeyay and Strict Compliance.
Edited Press Release / Authentic and Wayne Hughes at Spendthrift. (Elizabeth Layne/Spendthrift)
