Previous Mates, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, KY, is happy to announce that Godolphin’s a number of graded-stakes successful millionaire Alpha arrived on the farm on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 for his retirement.

Bred by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Darley in America, Alpha, who’s by Bernardini–Munnaya, by Nijinsky II, was foaled on March 11, 2009 in Kentucky.

Skilled by Kiaran P. McLaughlin and owned by Godolphin his whole profession, Alpha received his first begin as a 2-year previous in 2011 in a maiden particular weight on Sept. 3 at Saratoga by six lengths. His win was so spectacular, he was moved up into Grade 1 competitors in his subsequent begin and completed second within the Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. Nonetheless, in his subsequent begin, he completed eleventh within the Gray Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill Downs in his final race of the 12 months.

As a 3-year previous in 2012, he opened the 12 months with back-to-back wins at Aqueduct. The primary was within the Depend Fleet Stakes (Listed) for his first stakes win, and the second was within the Withers Stakes (G3) for his first graded stakes win.

Then, following a second within the Resorts World On line casino New York Metropolis Wooden Memorial Stakes (G1) at Aqueduct, he completed twelfth within the Kentucky Derby Offered by Yum! Manufacturers (G1) at Churchill Downs.

Proper after the Derby, he received two in a row, each at Saratoga. The primary was the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), and the second was in a really thrilling version of the Travers Stakes (G1). In that race, Alpha was the 2-1 favourite, and he completed in a useless warmth for the win with 33-1 lengthy shot Golden Ticket. It was the primary useless warmth within the race since 1874.

Two races later, he completed twelfth within the Breeders’ Cup Traditional (G1) on Nov. 3 at Santa Anita to finish his racing season.

Alpha returned to the monitor in 2013 as a 4-year previous and solely had one win that 12 months, however it was a giant received as he captured the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. That 12 months, he additionally completed sixth within the Jockey Membership Gold Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, and eighth within the Breeders’ Cup Dust Mile (G1) at Santa Anita.

As a 5-year previous in 2014, he solely raced 3 times, along with his finest end coming within the Alydar Stakes (Black Sort) at Saratoga the place he completed third. Then, following a fifth within the Left Financial institution Stakes (Black Sort) on Sept. 5 at Belmont Park, he was retired.

Alpha completed his profession with a file of six wins, two seconds, one third, and $1,815,667 in earnings in 22 begins. Of these six wins, 5 had been stakes races, with 4 of them being graded stakes victories.

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Alpha started his stud profession in 2015 at Sequel Stallions in New York, earlier than shifting to Haras Bagé do Sul in Brazil in 2019.

A few of Alpha’s main progeny embody stakes winners Alpha Chi Rho, who has earned $238,974 with 10 wins in 26 begins; and Genevieve’s Z VA, who earned $228,470 with 10 wins in 33 begins. As well as, Golden Rocket earned $194,360 with three wins in 17 begins, Beta earned $169,145 with eight wins in 34 begins, Saloon Ladies earned $165,982 with 5 wins in 39 begins, and Albie earned $154,274 with three wins in 30 begins.

The 14-year previous bay stallion was not too long ago pensioned after finishing stud obligation in Brazil. He was then returned to the USA and arrived in Florida on Nov. 29, 2023, the place he accomplished quarantine. He was then shipped to Godolphin in Kentucky, the place he was inspected to make sure he was in good situation, after which despatched to Previous Mates.

“Whereas Alpha was small in stature, he was huge in coronary heart,” mentioned Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA. “He was a Saratoga specialist, successful a number of graded races there throughout his profession. He grew to become the second Travers winner for our steady, along with his sire, Bernardini, being the primary. However it’s additionally particular having the ability to facilitate his return to Kentucky and Previous Mates. We admire all that Michael and his crew do to take care of these retired Thoroughbreds and hope that guests to Previous Mates will take pleasure in seeing him there for years to come back.”

Added Michael Blowen, President and founding father of Previous Mates, “Previous Mates is honored that Godolphin chosen us to retire Alpha. I used to be thrilled to be in Saratoga for his beautiful victory within the Jim Dandy. I do know that lots of his followers might be as excited as I’m to see him at Previous Mates.”