American Pharoah captured America’s collective heart at the Belmont Stakes this weekend, galloping his way to the first Triple Crown in 37 years. With the June 6 victory, his value is estimated at $30 million. But the winning doesn’t stop there.
Let the speed dating begin.
Racing enthusiasts are willing to spend enormous amounts of cash for the chance to breed another champion, and that’s where American Pharoah’s real money-making potential could be revealed.
So, what’s a “date” with a Triple Crown winner going to cost? According to Patrick Rishe, PhD, director of the Sports Business Program in the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, here’s how the numbers break down:
American Pharoah’s stud fee per mare could range from $75,000-$150,000; up to 150 “dates” per year are possible; and the typical thoroughbred stud cycle lasts 3-4 years. On the high end, American Pharoah could top out at $90 million in stud fees alone. Add to that his current value, and you’re looking at a three-year-old horse worth well over $100 million.
“It’s absolutely amazing how much this horse’s value has appreciated in such a short amount of time,” Rishe said. “And given the infrequency and uniqueness of a Triple Crown-winning horse, expect the stud fee per mare to push towards the higher end of the range discussed herein.”
Rishe also points out that cashing in likely will become a family affair: American Pharoah’s father, Pioneer of the Nile, is only three years into his four-year breeding window, so his stud fees also stand to rise exponentially as well.