Tribute to a Champion | Arrogate

Arrogate was the richest North American racehorse in history, having taken the racing world on an epic journey in 2016-2017. After place third in his debut he went on to break his maiden 4 1/2 lengths and after winning two more races over Allowance company he went on to win the 2016 Travers Stakes by 13 1/2 lengths and in the fastest Travers ever and breaking a track record that had stood for 37 years. After that Victory he went on to take us all on a wild ride where he blew past California Chrome in the 2016 Breeders Cup and won the inaugural $12 Million Pegasus World cup with ease. He then went to Dubai where he broke a step slow and got squeezed hard by two other horses forcing him into last place within the opening strides. Mike Smith and Arrogate proceeded to do the impossible and come from last to first, eating up ground and passing horses like they were standing still to beat Gun Runner and become the richest North American racehorse with $17 million in earnings. After that race he wouldn't win again and was not the same horse when he returned to Dubai. He retired after the 2017 Breeders Cup Classic and went on to stand stud at Juddmonte Farm in Lexington Kentucky. In the last week of May 2020 Arrogate's stud schedule was suspended when he appeared to be suffering from soreness in his neck. He then fell in his stall, was unable to get back to his feet, and was sent for treatment at the Hagyard Clinic. After four days of tests and unsuccessful treatment, he was euthanized on June 2. A statement issued by Juddmonte said "His will to fight, so valuable to him on the racetrack, became a challenge in his care. When serious secondary health issues set in, the decision was made to put him to sleep." He was only 7 years old.

Arrogate took us on an amazing 4 race sweep, taking the most prestigious races in the US and the world and showed amazing heart, stamina, and speed. Watching him run gave you this feeling of watching greatness. His presence on the track was fleeting as was his presence in life, but will will always remember the striking grey that showed us the impossible is possible.