Champion Afleet Alex Dies Due to Infirmities of Old Age

Gainesway Farm and Cash is King announced Feb. 12 the death of Afleet Alex, the 2005 champion 3-year-old male and winner of both the Preakness Stakes (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). The legendary stallion was euthanized Feb. 6 due to the infirmities of old age. He was 24 and will be buried at Gainesway. The son of Northern Afleet resided at Gainesway since retiring to stud in 2006. He had lived in the stud barn as a pensioner since 2022, greeting visitors from the same stall and paddock he occupied during his active career. Bred in Florida by John Martin Silvertand out of the Hawkster winner Maggy Hawk, Afleet Alex was acquired by trainer Tim Ritchey on behalf of Bob Brittingham and Chuck Zacney for $75,000 during the 2004 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The colt made an immediate impact on the track, winning his debut at Delaware Park by 11 1/4 lengths. He would string together four consecutive victories at 2 that included the Sanford Stakes (G2) by 5 1/4 lengths and the Hopeful Stakes (G1). Afleet Alex wound up his juvenile season with runner-up performances in the Champagne Stakes (G1) and Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), where he was less than a length behind Wilko. Afleet Alex punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby (G1) for Cash is King with an 8-length victory in the Arkansas Derby (G2) before he finished third on the first Saturday in May by a length to Giacomo and Closing Argument. Two weeks later, Afleet Alex entered the gate for the Preakness and delivered one of the most iconic performances in Triple Crown history. As he launched his drive at the top of the stretch, Afleet Alex clipped heels with rival Scrappy T, stumbling badly. Despite nearly falling to his knees, Afleet Alex recovered and powered down the Pimlico Race Course stretch to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Afleet Alex then confirmed his status as the top 3-year-old of his class in the Belmont Stakes, where he once again displayed a powerful move down the stretch to win by 7 lengths. That effort secured him the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old male. He was retired with $2,765,800 in earnings. "Afleet Alex's Preakness Stakes remains one of the most incredible displays of athleticism and heart I have ever seen. He passed that same determination and talent down to his offspring," said Gainesway owner Antony Beck. "A true champion in every sense and his presence at the farm will be deeply missed." Afleet Alex proved to be a versatile sire over 17 seasons. He sired 40 black-type stakes winners, including 14 graded/group stakes winners, with progeny earnings surpassing $54.8 million worldwide. His top performers included 2010 Travers Stakes (G1) winner Afleet Express, 2014 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Texas Red, 2011 Breeders' Cup Marathon (G2) winner Afleet Again, and other grade 1 winners Iotapa, Materiality, Sharla Rae, and Dublin. Afleet Alex also sired four champions including 2020 Canadian champion older dirt male Skywire and 2019 Korean champion older horse and millionaire Dolkong. As a broodmare sire, Afleet Alex continued to be an influence at the highest level. His daughters have produced 2019 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Sir Winston, along with grade 1 winners Practical Move, Dream Tree, and Goal Oriented. Beyond the racetrack and his stallion career, Afleet Alex's most significant legacy is his partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. His success on the track helped raise millions of dollars and national awareness for childhood cancer research in honor of Alex Scott. Years later he remains synonymous with the cause and continues to provide hope for children and their families. "Afleet Alex was truly a horse of a lifetime. From his first race at Delaware Park to his triumph in the Belmont Stakes, he defined class and pure athleticism," Zacney recalled. "Off the track, his affiliation with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation was transformative; Liz Scott credits much of their success to him. It was a special era, and we'll forever cherish the ride and the memories. He will be deeply missed."