Foolish Pleasure

Background

Foolish Pleasure was a bay horse bred at Williston, Florida by Waldemar Farms, Inc. He was owned by John L. Greer and trained by LeRoy Jolley, who had previously been partners in the colt Ridan. He was sired by What A Pleasure who won the Hopeful Stakes in 1967 before becoming a successful breeding stallion. His dam Fool-Me-Not was descended from the British broodmare Becti (foaled 1929) who was the female-line ancestor of many major winner including Mrs McArdy, Borgia and Boreal.

Racing career

Foolish Pleasure was undefeated as a two-year-old. In 1975, at age three, he won the Flamingo Stakes, Wood Memorial Stakes before contesting the Kentucky Derby. Ridden by Jacinto Vásquez he raced well off the pace on the inside before making a forward move approaching the final turn. He was switched to the outside in the straight and produced a strong late burst to win from Avatar.

Although heavily favored to win, he finished second to Master Derby in the Preakness. He then finished runner-up to Avatar in the Belmont Stakes.

In July 1975, a match race was arranged between the Foolish Pleasure and the unbeaten filly Ruffian. Vásquez chose to ride Ruffian, with Braulio Baeza taking over on Foolish Pleasure. While on the lead, Ruffian broke down, allowing Foolish Pleasure to win unchallenged.

Fooloish Pleasure remained in training as a four-year-old and won the Donn Handicap and the Suburban Handicap.

Retirement

In November 1994, almost 20 years after winning the Kentucky Derby, Foolish Pleasure was brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University. He had developed severe laminitis in all four feet. Despite all treatment efforts, he had to be euthanized.

Foolish Pleasure was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1995. In the Blood-Horse magazine ranking of the top 100 U.S. thoroughbred champions of the 20th Century, he was ranked #97.

Pedigree