A.P. Indy – The Derby Influence And Legacy

In an amazing twist, 10 out of this year’s entrants of the 138th renewal of the Kentucky Derby were either directly sired by sons or daughters of the legendary A.P.Indy. To have that sort of representation in a race is incredible, and demonstrates the profound influence that he continues to exert on the racing landscape today.

Even though, only one of them, Bodemeister (who placed second in the race) was successful, the fact that A.P. Indy was represented by so many runners is a testament to his enduring and powerful legacy. It is rare that you find a Kentucky Derby without the representation of A.P.Indy, even though none have ever won the fabled race. Pulpit came close though in 1997 though, but was denied due to a leg injury and was forced into premature retirements as a result. In his wake followed the talented colts Stephen Got Even, Old Trieste and Aptitude, though despite their best efforts, they were never able to win.

You might think that this is an damnation of A.P.Indy’s ability as a classic sire, hardly, the race itself is a really difficult one to win at the best of times, being a furious and sustained run over 2 kms, which is enough to shatter all but the fittest and best stamina bred horses. Ironically, the fastest time ever recorded for the Derby is 1:59.40 minutes, which was achieved by A.P. Indy’s dam Weekend Surprises’ sire, Secretariat. So there is definitely speed present, and there is certainly stamina, as demonstrated by the likes of Pulpit’s heroic endeavours back in 1997.

To illustrate the potency of A.P.Indy’s influence, two of the Derby favourites this year, had A.P.Indy in their pedigree: Bodemeister (4-1), whose dam, Untouched Talent has A.P.Indy as her grandsire and Take Charge Indy (11-1), who was the only direct son of A.P in the race. A further 8 of the 21 horses in the race, have A.P.Indy either directly or through a sire in their pedigree.

KZN breeding is fortunate enough to have several of A.P.Indy’s sons here at stud around the province. One of them Mon Sang, who stands at Warwick and Karen Render’s Bush Hill Stud, has already gotten off the mark with his Stakes placed daughter, Country Girl, who won the 2010 East Cape Fillies Nursery (Listed) and has 3 wins and 8 places from her 13 starts. Not to be outdone, Mon Sang’s son, Mon Signor has also shown that he is a versatile and durable horse, something that has no doubt come from his grandsire A.P.Indy. A winner of 3 races from 17 runs, including an impressive victory recently at the Vaal in a MR95 Open handicap, where he waltzed away to win by 3,5 lengths.

2013 should see the debut of A.P.Arrow’s progeny at the racetrack, and there is great anticipation among breeders and horse folk alike, to see if they will be able to scale the heights of their grandsire A.P.Indy. A.P. Arrow certainly demonstrated the precocity and the talent, thanks to his multiple Group wins and earnings of over $1 million. He stands at Summerhill Stud.

A.P. Answer stands at Clifton Stud, and there are exciting things being said about his first crop of foals.

The final son of A.P.Indy here in KZN, Just As Well, who stands at Spring Valley Stud, is expecting his first crop of foals to hit the ground this year, and if they are anything like their Group-winning sire, they should be amazing. Another slew of feathers in the massive “Indy” cap!

It’s quite apparent that despite his retirement, A.P.Indy continues to dominate racing headlines, either through his numerous sons at stud, and their various successful offspring, or through his daughters. As the old Chinese curse says “may you live in interesting times”.