Ghostzapper
Ghostzapper (foaled April 6, 2000) is a retired American Thoroughbred racehorse renowned for his exceptional speed and dominance in major stakes races during a brief but brilliant career from 2002 to 2005.[1] Sired by Awesome Again out of the mare Baby Zip, he was bred and owned by Frank Stronach's Stronach Stables in Kentucky and trained by Hall of Famer Robert J. Frankel.[2] With a record of nine wins in eleven starts and career earnings of $3,446,120, Ghostzapper's highlights include a track-record victory in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Lone Star Park, where he won by three lengths in 1:59.02, and an undefeated 2004 campaign that featured four graded stakes triumphs, including the Woodward Stakes (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), by a combined margin exceeding 18 lengths.[1][3] Ghostzapper debuted as a two-year-old in November 2002 with a victory at Hollywood Park and quickly progressed, securing his first Grade 1 win in the 2003 Vosburgh Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park with a dramatic last-to-first rally.[1] In 2004, at age four, he posted a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 128 in the Philip H. Iselin Handicap (G3) at Monmouth Park, followed by wins in the Tom Fool Handicap (G2), Woodward Stakes (G1), and the Breeders' Cup Classic, earning him the Eclipse Awards for Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male.[3] He returned in 2005 to win the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Belmont Park before a career-ending injury forced his retirement later that year.[2] His trainer, Frankel, described him as a "dream horse, possibly a super horse," highlighting his versatility across distances from six furlongs to a mile and a quarter.[3] Post-retirement, Ghostzapper entered stud in 2006 at Adena Springs in Kentucky and has since become a influential sire, producing multiple Grade 1 winners and three King's Plate victors—Shaman Ghost (2015), Holy Helena (2017), and Moira (2022)—a feat unmatched since the 1960s.[3] Notable progeny include Judy the Beauty, winner of the 2014 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1), and Moira, who also captured the 2024 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1).[3] Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2012 for his spectacular performances in the early 21st century, Ghostzapper was elected to the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2025, recognizing both his racing achievements and lasting impact on Canadian breeding.[1][3] At age 25, he stands at Adena Springs North in Aurora, Ontario.[3]Background and Pedigree
Birth and Ownership
Ghostzapper was foaled on April 6, 2000, at Adena Springs Farm near Paris, Kentucky.[4][5] He was bred and initially owned by Frank Stronach through his Adena Springs operation, racing as a homebred under the Stronach Stables banner throughout his career with no changes in ownership.[1][6] A bay colt by Awesome Again out of Baby Zip, Ghostzapper stood at 16.1 hands as a mature horse, presenting a well-made but plain appearance with a leggy, scopy build, a good shoulder, and a straight, strong hind leg.[5][4] Ghostzapper received his early training at Adena Springs before being transferred to the California stable of Hall of Fame trainer Robert J. Frankel in 2002, where he prepared for his racing debut.[3][6]Pedigree
Ghostzapper was sired by the Canadian-bred Awesome Again, a bay stallion foaled in 1994 who achieved prominence by winning the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs, defeating a field that included champions like Silver Charm and Skip Away.[7][8] Awesome Again himself was by Deputy Minister, a leading sire whose lineage traces back to the influential Northern Dancer through Vice Regent, contributing stamina and versatility to his descendants.[9][10] On the dam side, Ghostzapper was out of Baby Zip, a bay mare foaled in 1991 by Relaunch out of Thirty Zip.[4] Baby Zip was a stakes winner in her own right, capturing the Kattegat's Pride Stakes as a two-year-old and earning over $60,000 in her racing career before transitioning to broodmare duties at Adena Springs.[11] The Relaunch influence introduced notable speed to the pedigree, as he was a top-class sprinter-miler known for producing precocious and quick offspring, while the bottom half of Baby Zip's pedigree, through Tri Jet, added further sprinting aptitude. This mating combined the stamina-oriented Deputy Minister branch—renowned for producing distance performers—with the speed of Relaunch, creating a balanced bloodline suited for Ghostzapper's versatile racing style across middle distances.[12] Baby Zip proved an exceptional broodmare, producing 12 foals that yielded eight winners, including three graded stakes winners: her first notable offspring, City Zip (by Carson City), a multiple Grade 1 winner and successful sire; Ghostzapper himself; and City Wolf (by Giant's Causeway), her final stakes winner.[11] She was honored as the 2005 Broodmare of the Year for these achievements.[13]| Generation | Sire Line | Dam Line |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Self) | Ghostzapper (2000, b) | |
| 2 | Awesome Again (1994, b, by Deputy Minister) | Baby Zip (1991, b, by Relaunch) |
| 3 | Deputy Minister (1979, b, by Vice Regent) | Relaunch (1976, gr, by In Reality) Thirty Zip (1983, dkb/br, by Tri Jet) |
| 4 | Vice Regent (1967, ch, by Northern Dancer) Mint Copy (1970, dkb/br, by Nearctic) | In Reality (1964, b, by Hill Prince) Foggy Note (1965, gr, by The Axe II) Tri Jet (1969, dkb/br, by Jester) Sailaway (1976, b, by Hawaii) |
Racing Career
2002 Season
Ghostzapper made his racing debut as a two-year-old on November 16, 2002, at Hollywood Park Racetrack, where he competed in a maiden special weight race over 6½ furlongs. Ridden by jockey Jose Valdivia Jr. for trainer Robert J. Frankel, the colt broke from the eighth post position and rallied from off the pace to win by nine lengths in a sharp time of 1:15.57 while sent off at 11-1 odds.[14][15] The performance turned heads, with Frankel noting the colt's raw talent and considering a quick progression to stakes company like the Hollywood Futurity, though plans were tempered by the horse's inexperience.[14] In his sole subsequent outing that season, Ghostzapper faced allowance company on December 26, 2002, at Santa Anita Park over 6 furlongs. Despite entering as the 3-10 favorite, he encountered trouble at the start, being squeezed back early, and finished fourth, beaten 7½ lengths in 1:08.35.[15][6] This result highlighted areas for improvement but did not diminish the promise shown in his debut. Trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Robert J. Frankel at his Santa Anita base following preparation at owner Frank Stronach's Adena Springs farm in Kentucky, Ghostzapper's juvenile campaign was limited to these two starts due to minor physical setbacks that prevented further development and exposure.[1] Despite the brevity, the season established him as a prospect with explosive speed and closing ability, setting the stage for his rapid progression the following year.[16]2003 Season
Ghostzapper's three-year-old campaign in 2003 was delayed by minor physical issues following his December 2002 start, sidelining him until June. He competed in four starts under trainer Robert J. Frankel, securing three victories—including one Grade 1—while demonstrating growing versatility in race tactics. Building on the promise of his juvenile debut win, he began the year with a victory in an allowance race at Belmont Park on June 20 over 6 furlongs, closing strongly to win by 3¼ lengths under jockey Javier Castellano.[17] He followed up with another allowance win at Saratoga Race Course on July 26 over 7 furlongs, again closing from mid-pack to secure victory by multiple lengths. After a solid third-place effort in the King's Bishop Stakes (G1) at Saratoga on August 23, beaten by just a half-length for second over seven furlongs, Ghostzapper concluded the season with a breakthrough performance in the Vosburgh Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on September 27. From last in the field of seven, he unleashed a devastating stretch rally to win by 6 1/2 lengths—the largest margin in the race's history at that point—in a time of 1:15.02 for 6 1/2 furlongs, earning a 127 Equibase speed figure and confirming his sprint prowess.[18][19] Throughout the year, Ghostzapper earned approximately $376,000 from his efforts, with Castellano aboard for all four starts. Frankel observed the colt's rapid maturation, crediting it for his improved handling of competitive fields and distance variations, which positioned him for further advancement.[20]2004 Season
Ghostzapper began his 2004 campaign after recovering from a nine-month layoff caused by a foot injury that had sidelined him following his 2003 season. Making his seasonal debut on July 4 at Belmont Park, he delivered a commanding performance in the Tom Fool Handicap (G2) over seven furlongs, rallying from off the pace to win by 4¼ lengths in 1:20.42 under jockey Javier Castellano for trainer Robert Frankel.[21] Demonstrating newfound versatility at longer distances, Ghostzapper next tackled two turns for the first time on August 21 at Monmouth Park in the Philip H. Iselin Breeders' Cup Handicap (G3) at 1⅛ miles. Sent off as the heavy favorite, he settled mid-pack before unleashing a powerful stretch run to score by 10¾ lengths in 1:47.40 on a sloppy track, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 128—the highest ever recorded in a dirt route race at the time.[22] On September 11 at Belmont Park, Ghostzapper faced a stern test in the Woodward Stakes (G1) at 1⅛ miles against a strong field including future Horse of the Year Saint Liam. In a dramatic stretch duel, he gamely held off his rival by a neck in 1:46.38, securing his first Grade 1 victory of the year and extending his winning streak to three.[23][24] Ghostzapper concluded his undefeated season with a triumphant performance in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) on October 30 at Lone Star Park, covering 1¼ miles in a stakes-record 1:59.02 to defeat Roses in May by three lengths. The victory, his fourth consecutive graded stakes win of 2004, dispelled any doubts about his ability to excel at the marathon distance against elite competition.[25] Overall, Ghostzapper went 4-for-4 in 2004, all in graded stakes, while amassing $2,590,000 in earnings—more than doubling his previous career total. Jockey Javier Castellano partnered him in every start, guiding the Awesome Again colt to progressively dominant displays that highlighted his speed, stamina, and class.[26]Achievements and Records
Major Race Victories
Ghostzapper achieved 9 victories in 11 career starts, all on dirt surfaces ranging from 6 furlongs to 1¼ miles.[27] His major stakes triumphs highlighted his versatility and speed, beginning with a dominant performance in the 2003 Vosburgh Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park over 6 furlongs, where he rallied from last to win by 6½ lengths in a time of 1:08.31.[18] In 2004, Ghostzapper elevated his status with consecutive graded wins, starting with the Tom Fool Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park over 7 furlongs, followed by the Philip H. Iselin Breeders' Cup Handicap (G3) at Monmouth Park over 1⅛ miles.[28] His standout victory came in the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, covering 1⅛ miles in 1:46.38 to edge future Hall of Famer Saint Liam by a nose in a thrilling stretch duel, defeating a field that included strong contenders like Roses in May and Suave.[29] This win underscored his tactical brilliance and resilience under pressure. Ghostzapper capped his career peak in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Lone Star Park, where he set a track and stakes record of 1:59.02 over 1¼ miles while carrying 126 pounds, pulling away by 3 lengths over Roses in May to claim the $4 million purse and affirm his weight-for-age championship dominance.[25] He concluded his racing with a victory in the 2005 Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Belmont Park over 1 mile.[28] These triumphs, peaking in 2004, established Ghostzapper as a leading older male, blending sprint speed with route stamina across varied conditions.[1]Performance Statistics
Ghostzapper compiled an outstanding racing record of 9 wins, no seconds, and 1 third place from 11 starts, generating career earnings of $3,446,120. His win percentage stood at 81.8%, reflecting exceptional consistency after early career development races.[4][1]| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Starts | 11 |
| Wins | 9 |
| Seconds | 0 |
| Thirds | 1 |
| Total Earnings | $3,446,120 |
| Win Percentage | 81.8% |