Fusaichi Pegasus, 2000 Kentucky Derby Winner, Dies at 26

VERSAILLES, Ky. — Fusaichi Pegasus, the 2000 Kentucky Derby winner, has passed away. He was 26 years old.

He was euthanized Tuesday at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, due to the diseases of old age, the farm said Wednesday.

Nicknamed “Fu Peg”, he was purchased as a yearling by Fusao Sekiguchi for $4 million at the Keeneland sale in July 1998. He was trained by Hall of Famer Neil Drysdale.

Fusaichi Pegasus won the San Felipe Stakes and Wood Memorial before winning the 2000 Kentucky Derby as a 2-1 favorite, the first time a favorite had won since 1979.

Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Fusaichi Pegasus won the Derby by 1 1/2 lengths from Aptitude. He also became the highest-priced horse purchased at public auction to win the Derby. He finished second in the Preakness.

He retired with six wins in nine career starts and earnings of $1,994,400.

He began his stud career in 2001 at Ashford, and Coolmore paid $60 million for his stud rights, a record at the time. He sired six champions around the world and Grade 1 stakes winners such as Bandini, Champ Pegasus, Haradasun and Roman Ruler. He performed stallion duties in the southern hemisphere that produced Bronzo, who won horse of the year. His career as his stud ended in 2020.

“Fu Peg was a fantastic racehorse and a colorful character,” Ashford Stud general manager Dermot Ryan said.