American Pharoah Gets First North American Winner
Richard Ravin's Maven sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah won her first medal when she posted a half-length victory for Wesley Ward, who bred and trains Maven. The filly is the first American Pharoah winner in the United States.
Ahmed Zayat, who owned and bred American Pharoah and maintained a share of his stallion rights, said he is not surprised by the Triple Crown winner's early success at stud.
Maven is the first foal from the Any Given Saturday mare Richies Party Girl, a black-type winner who scored in five of 15 starts and earned $357,085 for Ravin and Ward, who was also her trainer.
Ward also has recent winners Lady Pauline and Nayibeth targeted for Royal Ascot starts in the June 19 Gr.2 Queen Mary Stakes and June 21 Gr.3 Albany Stakes, respectively.
Lebda was second to Maven in Friday's US$100,000 maiden special weight race, finishing a distant 11 1/4 lengths ahead of Analyze Your Risk, who was third.
Curated Press Released by BloodHorse