Definition
Awesome Again is a Canadian‑bred Thoroughbred racehorse and later a prominent sire, best known for winning the 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic and for producing multiple successful offspring in North American and international racing.
Overview
Foaled on 18 February 1994 at Windfields Farm in Ontario, Canada, Awesome Again was a chestnut stallion bred by Sam‑Simon Syndicate. Trained by David A. Bosch in the United States, he compiled a racing record of 27 starts: 9 wins, 6 places, and 5 shows, earning US $3,061,100. His most notable victories include the Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup (1998) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic (1998), the latter securing his status as the 1998 Eclipse Award winner for Champion Older Male Horse.
Retired to stud in 1999 at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, Awesome Again quickly became a leading sire. His progeny have earned more than US $120 million in prize money and include multiple Grade I winners such as Ghostzapper (2004 American Horse of the Year), Game On Dude, and Sir Bear. He has also been successful as a broodmare sire, influencing subsequent generations of high‑class performers.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Awesome Again” follows standard Thoroughbred naming conventions, combining an element from the sire line (“Awesome,” a reference to the sire’s own name) with an additional word chosen by the owners to convey distinction. No specific cultural or linguistic origin beyond this naming practice has been documented.
Characteristics
- Physical traits: Chestnut coat, standing approximately 16 hands high, noted for a strong, well‑balanced conformation suited to middle‑distance races.
- Racing style: Demonstrated a versatile racing aptitude, capable of accelerating decisively in the stretch and maintaining a steady pace over distances ranging from 1 ⅛ to 1 ½ miles.
- Stud attributes: Recognized for transmitting stamina, soundness, and a competitive temperament to his offspring. His progeny have performed well on both dirt and synthetic surfaces, and several have excelled internationally.
- Legacy: Inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame (2004) and remains a frequently referenced sire in contemporary breeding analyses.
Related Topics
- Thoroughbred breeding: Concepts of pedigree analysis, sire lines, and breeding strategies.
- Breeders’ Cup Classic: An annual Grade I race that serves as a key indicator of world‑class Thoroughbred talent.
- Eclipse Awards: Annual honors recognizing outstanding achievements in North American horse racing.
- Notable progeny: Ghostzapper, Game On Dude, Sir Bear, and other Grade I winners sired by Awesome Again.
- Three Chimneys Farm: The Kentucky stud farm where Awesome Again stood during his breeding career.