Point Given, dual classic winner and Hall of Famer, dead at 25

Point Given, the 2001 Horse of the Year, died on Sept. 11 at his home, the Kentucky Horse Park's Hall of Champions. The dual classic-winning son of Thunder Gulch was 25.

“Point Given was a special horse, loved by all, and a wonderful ambassador for the Kentucky Horse Park,” Kentucky Horse Park president Lee Carter said in a release. “We are saddened by his passing but grateful for the memories created and our time with the Big Red Train.”

Point Given, who raced as a homebred for The Thoroughbred Corporation and who was trained throughout his career by Bob Baffert, won six Grade 1 races and earned more than $3.9 million. As a 2-year-old, he won three of six outings, including the Grade 1 Hollywood Futurity and Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Juvenile; he was second by a nose in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and also second in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes.

Early the following year, Point Given won the Grade 2 San Felipe and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, the latter by 5 1/2 lengths, to stamp himself as the favorite for the Kentucky Derby. However, he finished fifth in the classic -- the only effort of his career in which he was worse than second -- a placing attributed to his being near a white-hot pace.

Point Given rebounded to win the Preakness Stakes two weeks later, then dominated the Belmont Stakes, roaring to a 12 1/4-length victory. He finished the 1 1/2 miles in 2:26.56, the fourth-fastest time in the race’s history, behind Secretariat, Easy Goer, and A.P. Indy.

Point Given added two more Grade 1 victories, in the Haskell Invitational and Travers Stakes, before injury ended his career. He was voted the 2001 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male.

Point Given retired to Three Chimneys Farm, and later relocated within the area to Calumet Farm for the 2013 season. He sired 34 career stakes winners, including 2007 Canadian Horse of the Year Sealy Hill, Canadian champion Points of Grace, and Grade 1 winners Coil, Go Between, and Point Ashley.

Point Given, who had been inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2010, was pensioned to the Hall of Champions in 2017.

“Not only was Point Given a dual classic-winning Hall of Famer, but he was also an excellent ambassador for horse racing and the state of Kentucky,” Hall of Champions supervisor Rob Willis said. “He was a big stallion that was fun to be around. Countless visitors enjoyed being in his presence over the years. It was an honor to care for him during his retirement. His presence will be missed.”

With the death of Point Given, following the passing of fellow dual classic-winning champion Funny Cide in July, the Hall of Champions is left without a Thoroughbred resident. The famous barn, which has, in the past, been home to Horse of the Year honorees Alysheba, Cigar, Forego, and John Henry, currently houses accomplished Standardbreds Marion Marauder, Mr. Muscleman, Western Dreamer, and Won the West.

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