Angel of Empire (Classic Empire–Armony's Angel, by To Honor and Serve), who took home the GI Arkansas Derby, has been retired and will join the roster at Taylor Made Stallions for the upcoming breeding season, according to a press release from the farm on Wednesday.
The 4-year-old, who last raced in 2023 when he finished third in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, will stand for $7,500 LFSN. Breeders will have an opportunity to earn a lifetime breeding right to the millionaire earner of more than $1.4 million.
“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.”
Racing for Albaugh after they purchased him for $70,000 during the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, the Brad Cox trainee entered the Arkansas Derby off a decisive win in the GII Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds. On the strength of his Arkansas Derby and Risen Star victories, the colt was sent off as the race favorite in the GI Kentucky Derby and rallied to finish third. 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 I-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.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
