Arazi (USA)
March 4, 1989 – July 1, 2021
Blushing Groom (FR) x Danseur Fabuleux (USA), by Northern Dancer (CAN)
Family 7
March 4, 1989 – July 1, 2021
Blushing Groom (FR) x Danseur Fabuleux (USA), by Northern Dancer (CAN)
Family 7
Still regarded by many as the most sensational Breeders' Cup race winner of all time, Arazi became one of the most hyped Kentucky Derby (USA-G1) favorites ever before crashing back to earth with an eighth-place finish. Probably the victim of both an overconfident preparation and his own limitations in stamina and soundness, Arazi did come back later with a Group victory before the end of his 3-year-old season but retired to stud with a tarnished reputation after disappointing once more in the Breeders' Cup Mile (USA-G1). He was a poor sire.
Race record
14 starts, 9 wins, 1 second, 1 third, US$1,213,397 (includes converted English and French earnings)
1991:
1992:
Honors
Assessments
Highweighted at 130 pounds on the Experimental Free Handicap for American 2-year-old males of 1991, 5 pounds above second-rated Bertrando.
Earned a Timeform rating of 135 pounds as a 2-year-old.
Earned a Timeform rating of 124 pounds as a 3-year-old.
As an individual
An athletic chestnut standing 15.2 hands, lightly-made and compact, Arazi had a dazzling turn of foot when at his best. He had offset knees, especially on the right, and underwent arthroscopic surgery following his 2-year-old season to remove chip fractures from the top of both knees against the recommendation of his trainer. Stockwell Thoroughbreds' Mike Becker described Arazi as "a cheeky old fella" during the horse's retirement.
As a stallion
According to records kept by The Jockey Club, Arazi sired 305 winners (50.0%) and 11 stakes winners (1.8%) from 610 named foals. John Sparkman's Foundation Mares: How Outstanding Female Families Shaped America's Breeding Industry credits Arazi with 15 stakes winners (2.5%).
Notable progeny
Congaree (USA), Shibl (GB)
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Arazi was bred by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., and was purchased by Allen Paulson for US$350,000 at the 1989 Keeneland November mixed sale; seven months later, Paulson bought the colt back for US$300,000 from the 1990 Keeneland July yearling sale after Arazi failed to make his reserve. Arazi was trained by François Boutin throughout his racing career.
Prior to the 1991 Grand Criterium (FR-G1), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum bought a half interest in Arazi for US$9 million. The horse entered stud in 1993 at the Sheikh's Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, England. After Sheikh Mohammed bought out Paulson's interest, Arazi moved to Three Chimneys Stud in Kentucky. He later stood in Japan, Australia, and Switzerland before being pensioned at Independent Stallions in Victoria, Australia, in 2011. He died in July 2021 at Stockwell Thoroughbreds, Victoria, Australia.
Pedigree notes
Arazi is inbred 3x4 to the stamina influence Wild Risk and 4x4 to the undefeated European champion Nearco, a two-time champion sire in England. He is a half brother to 2001 Champagne Lanson Sussex Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Noverre (by Rahy) and to Phantom Creek (by Mr. Prospector), third dam of 2022 Indian Horse of the Year Zuccarelli and 2024 Memsie Stakes (AUS-G1) winner Pinstriped. He is out of Group 3-placed Danseur Fabuleux (by Northern Dancer), a half sister to 1998 Early Times Turf Classic (USA-G1) winner Joyeaux Dancer (by Nureyev); to Grade 3 winner Doubles Partner (by Damascus), third dam of Grade 2 winner Let; to Jane's the Name (by Trempolino), dam of Grade 3 winner Silent Roar (by Unbridled's Song); and to Doubles Match (by Danzig), second dam of Australian Group 3 winner Lovemelikearock.
Danseur Fabuleux and her siblings are out of 1978 Prix de Pomone (FR-G3) winner Fabuleux Jane (by Le Fabuleux), a half sister to 1987 English and French champion sprinter Ajdal (by Northern Dancer); to 1977 William Hill Middle Park Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Formidable (by Forli); and to 1982 Fantasy Stakes (USA-G1) winner Flying Partner (by Hoist the Flag), second dam of 1993 Canadian champion turf horse Hero's Love. Fabuleux Jane is also a half sister to Key Partner (by Key to the Mint), dam of 1985 Matchmaker Stakes (USA-G2) winner Key Dancer (by Nijinsky II; second dam of Japanese Group 2 winner Smart Robin) and her full sister, Grade 2-placed listed stakes winner Key Flyer; second dam of two-time Japanese champions Dance Partner and Dance in the Mood and 1996 Japanese champion 3-year-old male Dance in the Dark; and third dam of Japanese Group 2 winner Federalist and Japanese Group 3 winner Dance Fantasia. In addition, Fabuleux Jane is a half sister to Group 3-placed Bev Bev (by Nijinsky II), dam of Group 3-placed listed stakes winner Spectacular Bev (by Spectacular Bid); second dam of 2014 Indian champion older male Machiavellianism, 2004 John A. Morris Handicap (USA-G1 winner Link River, English Group 3 winner Stelvio and Grade 3 winner Sterling Pound; and the third dam of Grade 2 winner Exchange Rate (a successful sire) and English Group 3 winner Sabre d'Argent.
As if these were not sufficient in the way of illustrious relatives, Fabuleux Jane is a half sister to Farewell Partner (by Northern Dancer), dam of 1997 Stars and Stripes Breeders' Cup Turf Handicap (USA-G3) winner Lakeshore Road (by Alleged) and multiple listed stakes winner Secret Partner (by Rahy; dam of stakes winner Malitzin, by Dynaformer), and to Tennis Partner (by Northern Dancer), also unraced but the second dam of 2009 Oakleigh Plate (AUS-G1) winner Swiss Ace. Fabuleux Jane and her siblings are out of 1970 Maskette Handicap winner Native Partner (by Raise a Native), whose stakes-winning dam Dinner Partner (by Tom Fool) was a notable modern foundation mare.
Fun facts
Last updated: September 1, 2024
Race record
14 starts, 9 wins, 1 second, 1 third, US$1,213,397 (includes converted English and French earnings)
1991:
- Won Breeders' Cup Juvenile (USA-G1, 8.5FD, Churchill Downs)
- Won Prix Morny Agence Francaise (FR-G1, 1200mT, Deauville)
- Won Prix de la Salamandre (FR-G1, 1400mT, Longchamp)
- Won CIGA Grand Criterium (FR-G1, 1600mT, Longchamp)
- Won Prix Robert Papin (FR-G2, 1100mT, Maisons-Laffitte)
- Won Prix du Bois (FR-G3, 1000mT, Longchamp)
- Won Prix La Fleche (FR-L, 1200mT, Evry)
1992:
- Won CIGA Prix du Rond-Point (FR-G2, 1600mT, Longchamp)
- Won Prix Omnium II (FR-L, 1600mT, Saint-Cloud)
- 3rd Prix du Prince d'Orange (FR-G3, 2000mT, Longchamp)
Honors
- Cartier Award, European Horse of the Year (1991)
- Cartier Award, European champion 2-year-old male (1991)
- Eclipse Award, American champion 2-year-old male (1991)
- French champion 2-year-old male (1991)
Assessments
Highweighted at 130 pounds on the Experimental Free Handicap for American 2-year-old males of 1991, 5 pounds above second-rated Bertrando.
Earned a Timeform rating of 135 pounds as a 2-year-old.
Earned a Timeform rating of 124 pounds as a 3-year-old.
As an individual
An athletic chestnut standing 15.2 hands, lightly-made and compact, Arazi had a dazzling turn of foot when at his best. He had offset knees, especially on the right, and underwent arthroscopic surgery following his 2-year-old season to remove chip fractures from the top of both knees against the recommendation of his trainer. Stockwell Thoroughbreds' Mike Becker described Arazi as "a cheeky old fella" during the horse's retirement.
As a stallion
According to records kept by The Jockey Club, Arazi sired 305 winners (50.0%) and 11 stakes winners (1.8%) from 610 named foals. John Sparkman's Foundation Mares: How Outstanding Female Families Shaped America's Breeding Industry credits Arazi with 15 stakes winners (2.5%).
Notable progeny
Congaree (USA), Shibl (GB)
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Arazi was bred by Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., and was purchased by Allen Paulson for US$350,000 at the 1989 Keeneland November mixed sale; seven months later, Paulson bought the colt back for US$300,000 from the 1990 Keeneland July yearling sale after Arazi failed to make his reserve. Arazi was trained by François Boutin throughout his racing career.
Prior to the 1991 Grand Criterium (FR-G1), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum bought a half interest in Arazi for US$9 million. The horse entered stud in 1993 at the Sheikh's Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, England. After Sheikh Mohammed bought out Paulson's interest, Arazi moved to Three Chimneys Stud in Kentucky. He later stood in Japan, Australia, and Switzerland before being pensioned at Independent Stallions in Victoria, Australia, in 2011. He died in July 2021 at Stockwell Thoroughbreds, Victoria, Australia.
Pedigree notes
Arazi is inbred 3x4 to the stamina influence Wild Risk and 4x4 to the undefeated European champion Nearco, a two-time champion sire in England. He is a half brother to 2001 Champagne Lanson Sussex Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Noverre (by Rahy) and to Phantom Creek (by Mr. Prospector), third dam of 2022 Indian Horse of the Year Zuccarelli and 2024 Memsie Stakes (AUS-G1) winner Pinstriped. He is out of Group 3-placed Danseur Fabuleux (by Northern Dancer), a half sister to 1998 Early Times Turf Classic (USA-G1) winner Joyeaux Dancer (by Nureyev); to Grade 3 winner Doubles Partner (by Damascus), third dam of Grade 2 winner Let; to Jane's the Name (by Trempolino), dam of Grade 3 winner Silent Roar (by Unbridled's Song); and to Doubles Match (by Danzig), second dam of Australian Group 3 winner Lovemelikearock.
Danseur Fabuleux and her siblings are out of 1978 Prix de Pomone (FR-G3) winner Fabuleux Jane (by Le Fabuleux), a half sister to 1987 English and French champion sprinter Ajdal (by Northern Dancer); to 1977 William Hill Middle Park Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Formidable (by Forli); and to 1982 Fantasy Stakes (USA-G1) winner Flying Partner (by Hoist the Flag), second dam of 1993 Canadian champion turf horse Hero's Love. Fabuleux Jane is also a half sister to Key Partner (by Key to the Mint), dam of 1985 Matchmaker Stakes (USA-G2) winner Key Dancer (by Nijinsky II; second dam of Japanese Group 2 winner Smart Robin) and her full sister, Grade 2-placed listed stakes winner Key Flyer; second dam of two-time Japanese champions Dance Partner and Dance in the Mood and 1996 Japanese champion 3-year-old male Dance in the Dark; and third dam of Japanese Group 2 winner Federalist and Japanese Group 3 winner Dance Fantasia. In addition, Fabuleux Jane is a half sister to Group 3-placed Bev Bev (by Nijinsky II), dam of Group 3-placed listed stakes winner Spectacular Bev (by Spectacular Bid); second dam of 2014 Indian champion older male Machiavellianism, 2004 John A. Morris Handicap (USA-G1 winner Link River, English Group 3 winner Stelvio and Grade 3 winner Sterling Pound; and the third dam of Grade 2 winner Exchange Rate (a successful sire) and English Group 3 winner Sabre d'Argent.
As if these were not sufficient in the way of illustrious relatives, Fabuleux Jane is a half sister to Farewell Partner (by Northern Dancer), dam of 1997 Stars and Stripes Breeders' Cup Turf Handicap (USA-G3) winner Lakeshore Road (by Alleged) and multiple listed stakes winner Secret Partner (by Rahy; dam of stakes winner Malitzin, by Dynaformer), and to Tennis Partner (by Northern Dancer), also unraced but the second dam of 2009 Oakleigh Plate (AUS-G1) winner Swiss Ace. Fabuleux Jane and her siblings are out of 1970 Maskette Handicap winner Native Partner (by Raise a Native), whose stakes-winning dam Dinner Partner (by Tom Fool) was a notable modern foundation mare.
Fun facts
- Like many other horses owned by Allen Paulson (an enthusiastic aviator as well as a major player in the aviation industry), Arazi was named for an aviation checkpoint—in his case, one out in the Arizona desert.
- To date, Arazi is the only horse to earn a Cartier Award as Europe's Horse of the Year as a juvenile.
- Arazi is the only horse ever to become a finalist for American Horse of the Year honors off a single North American start as a juvenile.
Last updated: September 1, 2024