What a privilege to meet Triple Crown winner American Pharoah on the Coolmore Ashford tour! It took about a year to finally get tickets but it was well worth the wait. The farm itself is gorgeous: stone buildings and bridges, rolling hills dotted with scarlet trees and miles of wooden fences. We entered the stone visitor center to watch a short but stirring film and then it was off to see the champion thoroughbred, who was led out into the picturesque stable courtyard. His demeanor was just as calm as advertised, more pet than stallion-like, and he stood patiently while everyone in the group had pictures made with him. He was taken back to his stall and we toured the stable he shares with Giant's Causeway and other Coolmore stallions. We also saw the farm's graveyard, another stallion barn and the breeding shed. There were some children in the tour group so that last was a little awkward, but overall the experience was everything I hoped. read more