Volponi (April 13, 1998 – February 14, 2025) was an American Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred by trainer Philip G. Johnson's family operation, Amherst Stable, he was sired by Florida Derby winner Cryptoclearance. His dam, Prom Knight, was a daughter of the 1987 Irish Derby winner Sir Harry Lewis, who was a son of the great French runner Alleged, who won back-to-back editions of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

In 2002, Volponi earned the most important win of his career when he won the Breeders' Cup Classic by 6½ lengths, the largest margin in the race's history at the time. In winning the Classic, Volponi overcame odds of 44-to-1 to beat an outstanding field that included runner-up Medaglia d'Oro, Milwaukee Brew, Evening Attire, Macho Uno, Hawk Wing, War Emblem, and Harlan's Holiday, among others. His longshot victory inadvertently exposed the largest betting scandal in the United States in a century.

At age five, Volponi made eight starts in 2003 without a win but had five seconds and two third-place finishes. Retired to stud duty, his offspring have met with limited success in racing. At the end of 2005, he was sent to Jeju Stud Farm in South Korea. His best runner in terms of career earnings is daughter Clearly Foxy, who won the 2007 Grade III Natalma Stakes.

Volponi died in South Korea on February 14, 2025, at the age of 27.[2]

Pedigree

Pedigree of Volponi, bay stallion, 1998
Sire
Cryptoclearance
1984
Fappiano Mr. Prospector Raise a Native
Gold Digger
Killaloe Dr. Fager
Grand Splendor
Naval Orange Hoist The Flag Tom Rolfe
Wavy Navy
Mock Orange Dedicate
Alablue
Dam
Prom Knight
1992
Sir Harry Lewis Alleged Hoist The Flag
Prince Pout
Sue Babe Mr. Prospector
Sleek Dancer
Dancing Party Danzig Northern Dancer
Pas de Nom
Irish Party Irish Lancer
Party Favor (family: 16-f)

References

  1. ^ "Horse Profile for Volponi". Equibase. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
  2. ^ King, Byron (15 February 2025). "2002 BC Classic Winner Volponi Dies in Korea at Age 27". The Blood-Horse. Retrieved 15 February 2025.

Sources

No tags for this post.