Zulu Kingdom Reigns Supreme in Grade 1 American Turf

Zulu Kingdom (IRE) confirmed his class and delivered a record-setting victory for his connections, drawing clear in the stretch to capture the newly upgraded $1 million American Turf Stakes (G1) by 1 1/4 lengths on the Kentucky Derby undercard, May 3, 2025.

Ridden confidently by Flavien Prat, the 2-1 favorite settled comfortably in a stalking fourth position as Mi Bago dictated the terms up front, setting fractions of 23.57 and 47.76 over the ‘good’ turf course. Prat kept the leader within striking distance around the far turn before angling Zulu Kingdom outside for the stretch drive.

Mi Bago fought gamely, but Zulu Kingdom, a 3-year-old ridgling by Ten Sovereigns, unleashed a sustained rally, collaring the pacesetter inside the final furlong and powering clear for his first Grade 1 triumph. Test Score closed strongly along the inside to edge New Century (GB) by a nose for second place, with Mi Bago holding on for fourth.

Giocoso rallied from 10th place early to nip Iron Man Cal for fifth by a neck. It was 1-1/2 lengths back to Scipio, who finished seventh. From there, Maui Strong, Golden Afternoon, Maximum Promise, Megalodon, Hammerhead, Classic of Course, and Warlander completed the order of finish.

The final time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:41.64.

The victory marked a record fourth win in the American Turf for trainer Chad Brown and a record-tying third win for jockey Flavien Prat.

“You never know what happens when they go from 2 to 3,” said co-owner Sol Kumin (Madaket Stables). “He’s grown, he’s gotten bigger and filled out. Chad does a great job keeping these horses good.” Madaket Stables shares ownership with Michael Dubb, William Strauss, and Michael J. Caruso.

Zulu Kingdom, bred in Ireland by Ecurie Peregrine SAS, improved his record to 5 wins from 6 starts. After winning his debut in France for Andre Fabre, he was transferred to Brown’s care and captured the With Anticipation Stakes (G3) and Pilgrim Stakes (G2) as a juvenile.

Brown indicated that despite invitations to races in Europe, Zulu Kingdom would likely remain in New York for his next campaign.

Fractional Times: 23.57, 47.76, 1:11.97, 1:35.58
Final Time: 1:41.64

Winning Connections

Winner: Zulu Kingdom (IRE)
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Chad Brown
Owner:  Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Dubb, William Strauss, and Michael J. Caruso
Breeder:  Ecurie Peregrine SAS
Bloodline:  Bay Ridgling, by Ten Sovereigns (IRE) out of Zindziswa, by Smart Strike. Foaled Feb 08, 2022 in Ireland
Ten Sovereigns (IRE) stands at Jockey Club of Turkey Stud Farms, Istanbul, Tur (Private Fee)

Payouts

Exotics

• $2.00 Exacta (7-5) Paid: $32.48
• $.50 Trifecta (7-5-3) Paid: $31.86
• $1.00 Superfecta (7-5-3-4) Paid: $662.82

Watch the Race