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 PETESKI DEFEATS THE DERBY, BELMONT & HASKELL WINNERS Dominating a Triple Crown in record times and winning by huge margins left few skeptics. Those not yet convinced were soon converted on September 19, in the Molson Export Million-G2. The Molson, which has a 6-year tradition of drawing excellent fields, in 1993 attracted, arguably, the best group of 3-year-olds to meet anywhere all year. In addition to Peteski, Molson entrants included Kentucky Derby-G1 and Travers-G1 winner Sea Hero; Belmont Stakes-G1 winner Colonial Affair, and Haskell-G1 winner Kissin Kris. Against such regal company, Peteski was sent off as the 8/5 favorite, and he treated his newest rivals in the same disdainful way with which he had dealt with all others. The official chart described his performance best: Peteski "cleared his stablemate in late turn, was lightly tapped with the whip on the shoulder at the head of the stretch, was hand urged to draw out, finally winning under no urging with ears pricked to complete a spectacular performance." Through the stretch, Perret cast disbelieving glances over his shoulder, wondering why no challenge was forthcoming from the southern classicists. "When we got to the quarter pole, the race was history-he was gone," an exuberant Perret reported afterwards. "Peteski thinks he's King Kong, and today he showed that he is!" From the 40 to 50 degree cool of Canada to the stifling 90 degree heat of Louisiana, with only 13 days rest, and on a notoriously unfriendly racing surface, Peteski next raced against 13 fresh challengers in the Super Derby-G1. It was a narrow nose and nose defeat but not without leaving a profound impression of courage and class. Sportswriter Gary West of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram wrote: "Brushed and bumped by bigger and heavier rivals, Peteski refused to surrender...He persevered after forcing the fastest pace in Super-Derby history and nearly won! Certainly he ran the best race..." As fate would have it, Peteski was forced to scratch after a minor swelling caused by a casting in the stall on the eve of what may have been his greatest glory- The Breeders' Cup Classic-G1. Although the problem was not serious, it was later decided that his future thereafter would be on the breeding farm. In late January, 1994, Peteski was retired to stud at Darby Dan Farm. Affirmed's splendid son took to his new life a record of seven wins, two seconds, and a third in 11 career starts, earnings of $1,287,864, a Sovereign Award as Canada's Horse of the Year, and one of the three top of his generation. |
Bloodlines
Queen's Plate
Canadian Triple
Defeating the Best
"When we got to the quarter pole, the race was history-he was gone. Peteski thinks he's King Kong, and today he showed that he is!"
- an exuberant Perret reported afterwards
"Brushed and bumped by bigger and heavier rivals, Peteski refused to surrender...He persevered after forcing the fastest pace in Super-Derby history and nearly won! Certainly he ran the best race..."
-Gary West of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram