Ballybristol Farm LLC announced late last month that Andi’amu, the National Association Timber Horse of the Year for 2019 and 2022, will retire to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. The 13-year-old Thoroughbred will be the first steeplechase horse to reside at the park’s Hall of Champions barn.

“As a two-time National Steeplechase Association Timber Horse of the Year, Andi’amu was a dominant force until his recent retirement. His addition to the Hall of Champions celebrates his success in his sport and recognizes the importance of steeplechase in the history of the Kentucky Horse Park,” said KHP President Lee Carter. “We are grateful to Ballybristol Farm and Tom Collins for sharing Andi’amu with the park and our guests.”

From flat to hurdles to timber

Andi’amu was sired by Walk in the Park (IRE) and foaled in France in 2010.  He began his flat racing career in France in 2012 and switched to jump racing in the United Kingdom in 2013. In 2015, he was purchased by Ballybristol Farm LLC. He began his U.S. career participating in hurdle races, which are generally 2 to 2 ½ miles long with fences 51 inches high. In 2017 and 2018, he switched to timber races. These are generally 3 to 4 miles long with higher fences constructed of timber, masonry or other materials.

In the U.S., Andi’amu was trained by Leslie Young in Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2023, when he moved to Neil Norris in Middleburg, Virginia. He raced at steeplechase venues along the East Coast from New York to Virginia and in Tennessee. He also ran in hurdle races at the predominately flat tracks of Monmouth and Saratoga.

‘Remarkable’ earnings

During his racing career, Andi’amu earned $544,400. This is a remarkable amount of prize money considering shorter race seasons and the lower purses for steeplechase races, especially timber races. In 49 starts, Andi’amu boasted 15 wins, 12 seconds and 5 thirds, with 10 victories in stakes races. In 2022 he was named Virginia Steeplechase Association Steeplechase Horse of the Year.

Andi’amu will reside at the Hall of Champions with Thoroughbreds Accelerate and Roy H; Standardbred Pacers Western Dreamer and Won The West; and Standardbred Trotters Mr. Muscleman and Marion Marauder.