Andi’Amu
Two-Time Steeplechase Timber Horse of the Year
Quick Facts
Earnings
$544,400
Record
49 starts, 15-13-6
Retired
2023
A French bred Thoroughbred by a leading Irish jump sire, Andi’amu earned two National Steeplechase Association (NSA) Timber Horse of the Year titles in a career that spanned more than a decade.
Steeplechase racing is a sport that has roots in the 18th century, when riders would race cross country and jump obstacles they encountered along the way.
Modern steeplechase races are run on turf courses over manmade or natural fences. Hurdle races use standardized manmade obstacles that are 52” tall, with natural fences of brush, and are run at a distance of two to three miles. Timber races use solid wooden rail fences that are up to five feet tall, with race distances from three to four miles.
Andi’amu, sired by Walk in the Park (IRE) in 2010, began his flat racing career in France as a two year old before switching to jump racing in the United Kingdom a year later.
In 2015, he was purchased by Ballybristol Farm LLC and brought to the United States, where he began his steeplechase career over hurdles. He made the switch to timber racing in 2018, where his keen jumping ability, stamina, and strong gallop made him a formidable force over fences.
Andi’amu was trained by Leslie Young from 2015 to 2023 before being moved to Neil Morris. He raced at Steeplechase courses from New York to Virginia, and dominated at Virginia’s Great Meadow, where his affinity for the course resulted in impressive victories throughout his career.
A tendon injury during the 2020 Virginia Gold Cup led to the only time in his 49-race career that Andi’amu failed to finish a race. Two years later, he returned in top form at the highest level of competition, winning his second Virginia Gold Cup , the Willowdale Steeplechase, the Genesee Valley Hunt Cup and the International Gold Cup.
His 23-length victory in the 2022 Virginia Gold Cup Stakes was stunning, as the 12-year-old performed flawlessly, jumping 23 fences over the four-mile course while carrying 165 pounds.
In his final race of 2022, the 12-year-old Andi’amu dazzled the crowd with a 10-length victory in the International Gold Cup, which put his earnings over the $500,000 mark.
Andi’amu was named Timber Champion by the National Steeplechase Association in 2019 and 2022, and joined other two-time winners Doc Cebu, Bubble Economy, Saluter, Dosdi, Fort Devon and Jocko. In 2022, he was named Virginia Steeplechase Association Steeplechase Horse of the Year.
Andi’amu was retired to the Kentucky Horse Park’s Hall of Champions in 2023, with a record of 49 starts, 15 firsts, (10 In Stakes races) 12 seconds and five-thirds. His lifetime earnings of $544,400 is impressive considering the shorter race seasons and lower purses for timber races.
Since 2018, Andi’amu hit the board (finished 1st 2nd or 3rd) in every race but one.
At twelve years of age, Andi’amu won the prestigious Virginia Gold Cup by 23 lengths.
Andi’amu took a 20 month break from racing due to a tendon injury, and returned to compete at the highest levels, winning five more Stakes races before retirement.
Notable Wins
2018
Steeplechase Stakes
2019
VIRGINIA GOLD CUP
MIDDLEBURG HUNT CUP
NATIONAL SPORTING LIBRARY STAKES
2022
INTERNATIONAL GOLD CUP
VIRGINIA GOLD CUP
WILLOWDALE STEEPLECHASE
2023
MIDDLEBURG HUNT CUP
Leslie Young, Trainer
Facts
Earnings
$544,400
Record
49 starts, 15-13-6
Retired
2023
Pedigree
Walk In The Park (IRE),
Sainte Parfaite (FR) by Septieme Ciel
Nickname
Andi
Attributes
Bay Gelding
Foaled
April 16, 2010
Height
17.1 hands
Trainer
Neil R. Morris
Breeders
Therese Bouche
Owners
Ballybristol Farm LLC
Jockey
Teddy Davies
2019 & 2022 National Steeplechase ASsociation Timber Horse of the Year
2022 Virginia Steeplechase Association horse of the Year
