KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (February 19, 2019) — More than 1.2 million people tuned in to a webcam to watch April the Giraffe give birth at a New York zoo in 2017. Mark Reid, owner of Walnut Green Farm 40 miles west of Philadelphia in Chester County, Pennsylvania, plans to capture at least some of that same excitement with a webcam that follows the birth of a foal to one of the most famous stallions in horse racing history.
That legendary sire is American Pharoah, who captured the attention of sports fans worldwide in 2015 when he became the first horse since 1978 to win the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred racing — an elusive title that includes wins at the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes.
The 24/7, live video feed can be viewed at PennHorseRacing.com, with an anticipated due date of March 16 for the foal.
“To say that everyone here is excited about the birth would be an understatement. This is our way of sharing that excitement with the rest of the world,” said Reid, whose career in the horse racing industry began in 1974 under legendary trainer Dick Dutrow. “Some folks have even suggested throwing a baby shower. In my 45 years in the industry, I’ve never attended a horse baby shower, but I’m open to ideas for what that might be.”
Though a baby shower has not been officially confirmed, Reid did note that a creative gender reveal (the gender won’t be known beforehand) is being discussed.
The mother of American Pharoah’s future offspring is High Quail, a 2006 mare by the famous Tiznow, who also boasts a star-studded damline, including Seattle Slew. High Quail is owned by Dan Ryan’s Smart Angle LLP.
The idea to install a webcam came after a conversation between Reid and members of the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association. Setting up the live video feed wasn’t easy, however, as the farm had no existing internet infrastructure.
“Pennsylvania has a rich history as the breeding ground for many legendary horses, including Smarty Jones, who won the first two legs of the Triple Crown in 2004,” said Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association President Pete Peterson. “It’s hard to say what the future holds for this foal, but we predict big things, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him or her to the world.”
Since its founding in 2005, the 100-acre Walnut Green has produced many championship-caliber horses, including 2011 Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty, who was bred, born and raised at the farm.
Fans who want to follow the pregnancy and the birth can watch the 24/7 live stream at PennHorseRacing.com.
