Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Angel of Empire has been retired and will join the roster at Taylor Made
Stallions for the upcoming breeding season, the farm announced today. He will stand for $7,500 S&N.
Breeders will have an opportunity to earn a lifetime breeding right to the millionaire earner of more
than $1.4 million.
“Angel of Empire is an A+ physical with a great mind to match,” said his trainer Brad Cox. “He was one of
the best 3-year-olds of his crop, danced every dance, and brought his A game every time.”
Racing for Albaugh Family Stables, Angel of Empire competed exclusively in stakes at three. Under
confident handling from jockey Flavien Prat in the $1,250,000 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park,
Angel of Empire swept into contention on the far turn of the 1 1/8-mile fixture. He gained command into
the stretch and powered home to score by a romping 4 ¼ lengths, earning 100 qualifying points for the
Kentucky Derby (G1).
Angel of Empire entered the Arkansas Derby off a decisive win in the $400,000 Risen Star S. (G2) at Fair
Grounds. In winning his graded stakes debut, Angel of Empire displayed gusto, charging between horses
in the stretch to win the 1 1/8-mile test going away from subsequent Kentucky Derby runner-up Two
Phil’s.
On the strength of his Arkansas Derby and Risen Star victories, Angel of Empire was sent off as the race
favorite in the 149 th running of the $3,000,000 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. In a game and
determined effort on the First Saturday in May, Angel of Empire rallied strongly to finish a fast-closing
third behind Mage and Two Phil’s while gaining on the leaders with every stride. He ran a career-best
104 Beyer Speed Figure in the Derby, a figure he equaled in the Jim Dandy S. (G2) two starts later. Angel
of Empire made his final career start in that year’s Jim Dandy S., finishing a close third to Grade 1
winners Forte and Saudi Crown in a troubled trip.
“We’re very excited to stand Angel of Empire alongside our other stallion at Taylor Made, Not This
Time,” said Jason Loutsch of Albaugh Family Stables. “Similar to him and Thousand Words, another
promising young sire we campaigned, Angel of Empire is a tremendous physical who excelled over the
Classic distances while still being a precocious 2-year-old. We will support him in the launch of his
stallion career and are excited to get started.”
In addition to his accomplished sophomore season, Angel of Empire, a son of Champion Classic Empire,
was also precocious and versatile. While he thrived over a route of ground, he broke his maiden on
debut as a 2-year-old, winning a one-mile maiden special weight. All told, Angel of Empire hit the board
in 7-of-9 lifetime starts, banking $1,489,375.
“Angel of Empire is as good-looking of a first-year sire you will see this year, and in this commercial
market, big and pretty sells,” said Travis White, director of sales for Taylor Made Stallions. “An
impressive debut winner at two who developed into a Grade 1-winning 3-year-old and the favorite for
the Kentucky Derby, Angel of Empire is a horse that will provide breeders real value with the
opportunity for a significant return on their investment.”

For more information on Angel of Empire, contact Travis White at (859) 396-3508, or Brock Martin at
(270) 498-3722, or visit www.taylormadestallions.com.