The horse America rejected became a global racing dynasty
In short: Discover how a physically flawed colt, dismissed by American breeders as a 'fluke,' ended up revolutionizing the sport in Japan and producing some of the world's most elite champions.
Sunday Silence was initially deemed undesirable due to his crooked legs. He was repeatedly bought back—first for $17,000 as a yearling and again for $32,000 at age two—before nearly dying in a van crash. Despite winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Breeders' Cup Classic in 1989, he remained an underdog in his home country.
After being named Horse of the Year, American breeders showed little interest in his lineage, with Arthur Hancock III unable to sell more than two breeding contracts or three shares. He was sold to Japan, where he became a champion sire for 13 consecutive years. His bloodline now produces icons like Deep Impact and Real Steel, as well as winners of the 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic and 2026 Jockey Club Gold Cup.
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