American Pharoah breeding rights sold to undisclosed farm; terms unavailable

The breeding rights to Triple Crown hopeful American Pharoah were sold Tuesday to Coolmore Ashford Stud in Kentucky. Terms of the deal were not available.

Justin Zayat, racing director for American Pharoah owner Zayat Stables, had said Monday that despite offers of more than $20 million for the horse's rights as a stallion, the family likely would not entertain offers until after the Belmont on June 6.

But Ahmed Zayat told ESPN.com that the offer that was put on the table Tuesday was too good to pass up. Zayat said he will own 100 percent of the horse's racing rights and that American Pharoah will not retire immediately after the Belmont, even if he becomes the first horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown.

Zayat said a confidentiality agreement precluded him from divulging the farm and the price, but did say the farm would pay more if American Pharoah won the Belmont.

Last year, after American Pharoah became the 2-year-old male champion, the Zayats made money by selling an undisclosed stake in Pioneerof the Nile, who stands at Winstar Farms for $60,000 per live foal. As part owners, the Zayats also will get a portion of Pioneerof the Nile's increased stud fees for next season. In November, the Zayats sold American Pharoah's dam, Littleprincessemma, for which they paid $250,000 in 2007, carrying a full brother to American Pharoah, for $2.1 million.

The breeding rights to the last Triple Crown winner, Affirmed, sold for $14.4 million in 1979, which would be about $46 million today when factoring for inflation.