Artax (1995-2012) had the distinction of being a world-class
American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1999 Breeders
Cup Sprint. He was named the 1999 America Champion Sprint
Horse.[1[2He also took home the Carter Handicap and Vosburgh
Stakes and also broke three track records.
Artax was named in honor of an animal that was featured in
the children’s fantasy book The Neverending Story.
The Neverending Story is a children’s fantasy novel.
In 1999, during the running in the Maryland Breeders’ Cup
an intoxicated man (Lee Chang Ferrell) crossed the track in
Pimlico Racecourse on Preakness Day and sat in front of the
field. When Artax was approaching the track, Ferrell attempted
to strike the horse and it sped across several tracks in a collision
with horses as well as squeezing his ankle. Ferrell did not suffer
any injuries. The money bet for the race, which was the favorite
of 4/5 was refunded.
Artax has been retired from stud in the year 2000.
He was on several farms which included Clermont Farm in
New York, Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky and Diamond G
Ranch in Edmond, Oklahoma before being moved to Haras
Santa Tereza do Bom Retiro in Brazil.[2The most famous
descendants include Diabolical Winner of the Alfred
Vanderbilt H.H.,[5 as well as Grade I winner Friendly
Michelle.[2Friendly Michelle.
Artax passed away in January 8th, 2012 at an animal clinic
in Brazil as a result of injuries resulting from colic.