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    Triple Crown winner American Pharoah lives at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky. 

     

    What are you wearing right now?

    “Nada. Always.”

     

    What song has been stuck in your head lately?

    “‘Let’s Get It On,’ by Marvin Gaye.” 

     

    What Louisville dish have you eaten more than any other?

    “Those oysters on page 120 (of Louisville Magazine's Derby issue) are quite the aphrodisiac.”

     

    In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?

    “Been trying to tell ya. You do know what ‘going to stud’ means, right?”

     

    Well, then: What’s the key to a woman’s heart?

    “Let’s just say I’ve got plenty of roses.”

     

    The weirdest place somebody has recognized you in public?

    “You know what horses will do on the backside? When you all aren’t watching, we’ll switch bridles. Then when you read the nameplate you’ll think you’re looking at me but you’re actually looking at some donkey. You guys really can’t tell us apart.” 

     

    What should every person try once?

    “Running a mile and a quarter in two minutes with a jockey and tack on your back. Then doing it two weeks later in the Preakness. Then going a mile and a half in the Belmont. Seriously, sometimes I think you all forget how easy we’re making it look.”

     

    What three people would be on the guest list to your ideal dinner party?

    “Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Affirmed.”

     

    Earliest childhood memory?

    “I saw Mine That Bird’s answer a couple years ago, and he’s right: The foaling. All of it.”

     

    When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?

    “Geez, I’m only four! No, let’s just say that, like the rest of you, I also wasn’t sure if we’d ever see another Triple Crown winner. But I had a feeling.”

     

    Can’t-miss TV show?

    “So I was catching up on Game of Thrones the other day and there was a horse decapitation. What the f***, Game of Thrones?!?! #TrackLivesMatter”

     

    Do you have a secret talent?

    “Tap dancing.”

     

    What makes you laugh?

    “Humans who think all the secrets are in the racing form. The horses, we get together ahead of time and determine the winner.”

     

    Can you believe you were in Vogue?

    “No Photoshop, either. That’s all me.”

     

    Your favorite movie scene?

    “Horses are literally the best supporting actors. Just look at some of the Best Picture Oscar winners going back to 1990: '12 Years a Slave,' 'Lord of the Rings,' 'Gladiator,' 'Braveheart,' 'Schindler’s List,' 'Unforgiven,' 'Dances With Wolves.' Horses are in all of those movies!” 

     

    If you could be mayor for a day, what would you do?

    “You know those horse carriages downtown? Yeah, humans would pull us for a change.”

     

    In two words, what do you make of this crazy presidential-primary horse race?

    “Trump’s mane.”

     

    You’re a Trump supporter?

    “Nah, I already made America great again. Besides, can you imagine what President Trump would do to the horse-racing industry? Building a wall, deportations. Latinos are horse racing. That’s our family. Actually, I’m kind of feeling the Bern. Though it’s quite possible that’s from all the unprotected—”

     

    OK, that’s enough! If you could write it yourself, what would your headstone say?

    “PharOAh, Not PharAOh.”

     

    Your most noticeable quirk?

    “Having a name that drives copy editors crazy.”

     

    Yeah, what’s up with that?

    “Actually, it’s Pharaoh, not Pharoah. We’ve been messing with you this whole time.”

     

    Plus 8 More Questions (because 21 just wasn't enough) - 

    What are your vices?

    “Sex.”

     

    What superstition do you believe in? 

    “Horseshoes up. To catch all that good luck.”

     

    Least-favorite word?

    “Geld.”

     

    Where do you go to be alone?

    “The winner’s circle.”

     

    What’s on your nightstand?

    “Horse tranquilizers.”

     

    Favorite album?

    “Born to Run.”

     

    What do you collect? 

    “Pretty soon, foals.”

     

    What would you do if you won the lottery?

    “Already did.”

     

     

    This article originally appeared in the April issue of Louisville Magazine. To subscribe, click here.

    Illustration by Kendall Regan

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