GAINESWAY PRESS RELEASE (Edited)
LEXINGTON, KY—Gainesway Farm and Cash is King LLC are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Afleet Alex, the 2005 Champion Three-Year-Old Male and winner of both the Preakness (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). The legendary stallion was euthanized on February 6 due to the infirmities of old age. He was 24.
The son of Northern Afleet had resided at Gainesway since retiring to stud in 2006, and he lived in the stud barn as a pensioner since 2022, greeting visitors from the same stall and paddock where he spent his time during his active career.
Bred in Florida by John Martin Silvertand, Afleet Alex made an immediate impact on the track. After a stunning 11 ¼-length debut victory at Delaware Park, he was purchased by Cash is King and moved into the barn of trainer Timothy Ritchey.
He quickly validated that acquisition by dominating the Sanford Stakes (G2) by five-and-a-quarter lengths. He then secured his first Grade 1 victory in the Hopeful Stakes before closing his season with a runner-up finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
Afleet Alex punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby (G1) with an eight-length victory in the Arkansas Derby (G2), then he finished third on the First Saturday in May.
Two weeks later, Afleet Alex entered the gate for the Preakness Stakes (G1) 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 causing him to stumble badly. Despite nearly falling to his knees, Afleet Alex recovered and powered down the Pimlico stretch to win by four-and-three-quarters lengths.
Afleet Alex then confirmed his status as the top 3-year-old of his class in the Belmont Stakes (G1), where he once again displayed a powerful move down the stretch to win by seven lengths. That effort secured him the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old male of 2005.
“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,” Gainesway owner Antony Beck said. “A true champion in every sense and his presence at the farm will be deeply missed.”
Afleet Alex retired to Gainesway in 2006, where he proved to be an incredibly versatile sire during 15 seasons. He sired more than 50 stakes winners with progeny earnings surpassing $54.8 million. His stallion career was highlighted by the 2010 Travers Stakes (G1), where he sent three runners from his debut crop to the “Midsummer Classic,” including winner Afleet Express. He also sired Breeders’ Cup winners Texas Red (Juvenile) and Afleet Again (Marathon), as well as Canadian Champion Skywire (Canada). Other top-level performers included Grade 1 winners Iotapa, Materiality, Sharla Rae, and Dublin.
As a broodmare sire, his influence remains elite. His daughters have produced 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,” recalled his owner, Charles Zacney. “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.”
Afleet Alex will be buried at Gainesway.
Return to the February 12 issue of Wire to Wire
