Afleet Alex, Who Made History On and Off the Track, Dies at 24
His victory in the 2005 Preakness Stakes (G1) remains one of the most stunning moments in Triple Crown history.
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).– American racing has lost one of its great contemporary emblems. Afleet Alex, the 2005 Champion 3-Year-Old Colt and protagonist of one of the most shocking scenes in Triple Crown history, died at age 24 after being euthanized due to complications from old age. The news was confirmed by Gainesway Farm and the ownership group Cash Is King. The son of Northern Afleet will be buried at the farm, where he had remained since his retirement from racing in 2006.
Bred in Florida by John M. Silvertand, out of Maggy Hawk, Afleet Alex was purchased for just $75,000 at the 2004 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-olds in training sale. Trainer Tim Ritchey bought him for Bob Brittingham and Chuck Zacney. What seemed like a solid investment ended up becoming a legendary story.
He made his class clear as a juvenile, capturing the Sanford Stakes (G2) and the Hopeful Stakes (G1). He closed his 2-year-old campaign with two runner-up finishes at the highest level, including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, where he fell just three-quarters of a length short against Wilko (Awesome Again).
In 2005, he reached the pinnacle. After dominating the Arkansas Derby (G2) and finishing third in the Kentucky Derby (G1), he wrote one of the sport's most memorable chapters in the Preakness Stakes (G1). When he appeared certain to go down at the top of the stretch after clipping heels with a rival, he miraculously regained his balance and, far from surrendering, powered away to win authoritatively. That display of heart and athleticism remains etched in racing lore.
Weeks later, he sealed his greatness with a devastating performance in the Belmont Stakes (G1), winning by seven lengths in what would be his final start. He retired with earnings of $2,765,800 and was crowned champion.
“His Preakness remains one of the most incredible displays of athleticism and grit I have ever seen,” said Antony Beck, owner of Gainesway. “He was a true champion, and his presence at the farm will be deeply missed.”
He also left his mark at stud, producing 39 stakes winners—14 of them graded or group winners—including G1 victors Afleet Express, Texas Red, Iotapa, Materiality, Sharla Rae, and Dublin. His offspring accumulated more than $54.8 million in earnings.
But his legacy transcended the track. His name became inseparably linked to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization created in memory of Alex Scott, who passed away in 2004 at age 8. Afleet Alex’s success helped raise millions for pediatric cancer research, turning him into a symbol for a cause that continues today.
“He was the horse of a lifetime,” expressed Chuck Zacney. “From his debut to his Belmont win, he defined class and pure athleticism. And off the track, his impact was transformative. It was a special era we will never forget.”
Afleet Alex was not just a champion. He was courage, inspiration, and a lasting legacy.
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