Alysheba!

[Barnfairy]

This just made my morning:

Alysheba to return to U.S. (http://news.bloodhorse.com/article/47699.htm)

(excerpted from Blood Horse article)

Horse of the Year and Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Alysheba is returning to the United States from Saudi Arabia. He will reside in the Hall of Champions at the Kentucky Horse Park.
...

Alysheba, who was known on the track as “America’s horse,” has spent the last eight years in the royal stables of HRH King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, after standing his first years at stud at William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Ky. He will soon arrive back home on his native soil thanks to the king, who is sending Alysheba to the Kentucky Horse Park as a gift to the American people.


On behalf of the American people who remain fans of Alysheba and who now stand a much better chance of actually meeting him someday, thank you King Abdullah!

[Lady Counselor]

Cool! I always liked him! I just got another excuse to go back to the KHP. :D

[Glimmerglass]

Very nice to hear - thanks for passing this along!

Worth reiterating that Alysheba has been kept in A-1 condition and treated like a treasure by a King who loves horses. He was not while in Saudi Arabia in a breeding program where he's been expected to cover hundreds of mares a year.

[hey101]

How exciting! I have always loved that horse... still feel residual anger at Bet Twice :lol::D.
This might mean another trip to Lexington to visit the KY Horse Park...er, I meant our friends who live in Lexington. ;) Although I can't wear out our welcome too quickly, I don'tknow if they realize yet that they will be having guests during WEG...

[Drvmb1ggl3]

The timing seems odd, surprised they didn't wait until early spring, let him winter in Arabia.
He was a magnificent looking horse in his prime, interesting to see how he has held up with age.

[dressagetraks]

Awesome! That might force a trip to the KHP just to see him. Of course, there will be WEG10, too.

I always loved that horse. His Derby Day was my first day actually live at the races (and I was at Churchill).

[Mariequi]

I'm lucky to be here already. Haven't been able to go to the barn since we lost John Henry. I'm thrilled about Alysheba going to his stall. Now I'll be able to go with a happy heart.

[Davignport]

That is the best racing news I have heard in a long time. I can't wait to see him at the KHP. How fitting that he will live in John's stall. Thank you King Abdullah..

[ivy62]

This is really important to me personally, my horses grand daddy was Bet Twice. They were arch rivals as 3 and 4 year olds.....I am headed to the KHP in April just in time to see him after the winter...Thank god he is coming home..
It is fitting he follow in John Henry's hoof steps!

Thank you King Abdullah!

[draftdressage]

Wow! I'm new to this forum and already I love it! It's great to see so many racing fans out there who know their stuff! Yes, Alysheba should be home and what a fitting place for him. I visited KHP in 1995 and got all choked up when I met John Henry! It is a very fitting place for Alysheba! Great to have him home!!:yes:

[texang73]

Just read it this afternoon, and am so thrilled! What a nice gift. I guess that means another trip to KHP!

[TKR]

WOW WOW WOW!!!! I tried to breed a mare to him the year he left -- I wonder if there is any possibility?? Fabulous horse!
PennyG

[BasqueMom]

Woohoo! Am about 20 miles from Valor Farm in Pilot Point, TX, owned by the Schaurbauers.
It looks like it blew in from Lexington--gorgeous farm. Always think of it as the farm that
Alysheba built.

[shawneeAcres]

What a kind and generous gesture by the King, both to the horse and to the american racing public!!! I thank you for myself, my country and most of all from ALysheba! Although I am sure he enjoyed being royalty!

[Blinkers On]

I still love him!!!! Bring him home!!!

[Glimmerglass]

WOW WOW WOW!!!! I tried to breed a mare to him the year he left -- I wonder if there is any possibility?

I'd strongly assume that part of the deal is that he is pensioned.

While the KHP does have a breeding program I think these guys are a bit off-limits. It would at first blush be a tad offensive if the KHP did accept him as a gift then put him to use as that kind of cash register. That's just my take on it.

[dressagetraks]

Not only that, at 24, his swimmers might well be just about swum out. That might in fact be why he's heading home now.

[Texarkana]

Neato. I think I might have to make a road trip for a visit...

[findeight]

What a lovely gesture by the king...but that whole family is pretty much on the up and up as far as horses are concerned.

Imagine he is done as a stud but still a wonderful contribution to the living legends at the KHP...one many would not have made even with an old stud.

Can't wait to see him next to Cigar.

[khp vol]

There will be a reception for him at the Hall of Champions next Friday (Oct 31)
at 1:15 PM.

http://www.kyhorsepark.com/news.php?articleID=237&pageid=73&sectionid=9

[Hunter Princess]

I was so excited to get the email about him coming to the KHP! I think the day that his reception is, I'm going to try and take a late lunch and walk over to see him!

So cool that he's going to come home to the US :)