An elite force of nature. A hard-charger, faster than his peers, carrying on a legacy of success.
An elite force of nature. A hard-charger, faster than his peers, poised to carry on a legacy of success.
And, when his time in service ends, he could be a bona fide stud.
At first glance, the name "US Army Ranger" seems unlikely for an Irish-bred horse that's the early favorite to win one of the world's most prestigious races. Considering the above ... maybe not so much.
A 3-year-old colt, US Army Ranger has raced once, winning a 1¼-mile event April 3 at Ireland's Curragh Racecourse. That performance rocketed the horse to the top of the betting chart for the June 4 running of the Investec Derby, better known as the Epsom Derby, which bills itself as "the Greatest Flat Race in the World" with good reason:
- It's been held every year since 1780, making it more than 100 years older than the Kentucky Derby and 12 years older than Kentucky.
- America's great race derives its name from the English event, which is the largest jewel in that nation's Triple Crown.
- This year's guest list includes Queen Elizabeth II, who has frequented the event in the past and even entered several horses. No winners so far.
- Planning to cheer on US Army Ranger from the Queen's Stand? Men will need "morning dress" (complete with top hat) or "full national costume," while women are asked to dress formally and wear "a hat or substantial fascinator," per the race website. No mention of tabs or scrolls.
US Army Ranger sits as a 4-to-1 favorite at Ladbrokes, SkyBet and other large European betting houses. The horse likely will race once more before the Derby; the field for the big event is far from set, with odds still available on more than 100 potential entrants.
US Army Ranger has been installed as an early favorite for this year's Epsom Derby.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of David Betts/Aidan O'Brien Fan Site
The horses also share a trainer in Aidan O'Brien, who has five Derby wins to his credit including three straight from 2012 to 2014. His popularity across the pond merits the Aidan O'Brien Fan site, which boasts 400,000 unique visitors from more than 150 countries.
Magnier's husband, John, owns Coolmore Stud (a worldwide stallion farm valued in the billions) and is the subject of articles with headlines like "The secretive tycoon." Coolmore's American branch holds stud rights to Triple Crown winner American Pharoah; the 2016 fee is $200,000, per the farm's website.
Tabor's no slouch in the thoroughbred department, owning 1995 Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch and co-owning a half-dozen Epsom Derby victors with Susan Magnier and others.
US Army Ranger's sire won the Epsom Derby.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of David Betts/Aidan O'Brien Fan Site
Even the Navy got some love: US Navy Seal has run 11 races, winning one. Per Sky Sports, US Navy Seal is a gelding, which rules out some post-racing career options.
Kevin Lilley is the features editor of Military Times.
