The records keep falling for Southern California-based 8-year-old star gelding Gold Phoenix. He won the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) July 26 by a nose to become the first horse in Del Mar's 99-year history to win six stakes races at the famed seaside track.
Last summer, he won the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) for a record fourth straight year, and he has a chance to extend that mark to five Aug. 29 in this year's edition of the 1 3/8-mile turf race, which also would boost his Del Mar record to seven total stakes wins.
The Belardo gelding has won at least one race every year since his career debut at Dundalk in Ireland in 2021, with at least one graded stakes victory for five straight seasons starting in 2022 and more than $2.5 million in lifetime purse earnings.
Gold Phoenix has 11 lifetime stakes victories and has competed in the Breeders' Cup Turf four years in a row from 2022 through 2025, running fourth twice against the best turf horses on the planet. A dedicated closer, Gold Phoenix also has a flair for the dramatic with 10 of his 13 career wins coming by less than a length, including seven by a margin of a neck or less.
Gold Phoenix is owned by the partnership of Little Red Feather Racing, Agave Racing Stables, Sterling Stables, and Marsha Naify, and trained by Phil D'Amato. Hear how many of those closest to him responded when asked for their favorite Gold Phoenix race and what he means to them.
Billy Koch, founder, managing partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: Recency bias makes me want to say the 2026 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) because it made him the all-time leading stakes winner in Del Mar history. That was a remarkable achievement. Then there's the San Juan Capistrano, where he dominated the field and recorded the fastest winning time in the race since 2012. Or you could argue it was his only grade 1 victory in the 2023 Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1T).
But I'm actually going to go with the 2025 Del Mar Handicap. (G2T). He missed the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) that summer with a minor injury and then ran a dull third in an allowance race in early August. Even though he still went off favored in the Del Mar Handicap, a lot of insiders questioned whether he still had it in him to win the race for a fourth consecutive year.
Then came Larry Collmus' unforgettable call as Gold Phoenix surged to the wire: "Don't call him Old Phoenix ... he's Gold Phoenix!" It still gives me goosebumps.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? As anyone in this sport will tell you, horses like Gold Phoenix come along once in a lifetime. We've been fortunate to share him with an incredible group of partners, and at Little Red Feather we always talk about making memories. Gold Phoenix has given us more than we ever could have imagined. The amazing part is that he's still doing it at 8 years old and, if anything, he might be better now than he's ever been.
I've heard a lot of the recent comparisons to John Henry, who was my favorite horse growing up. I never imagined I'd be lucky enough to be associated with a horse who would even be mentioned in the same conversation. That's pretty special.
Gary Fenton, managing partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: 2026 Eddie Read Stakes. Slow pace, not ideal distance, last entering stretch. He did what he always does. He dug in, competed, and refused to lose. Gave us everything he has and seemed to enjoy every part of it.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? What does Gold Phoenix mean to me? What does he mean to all of us? He's won a stake in five consecutive years. The longevity of this partnership has created a communal experience between us partners and memories that we will cherish forever.
Mark Martinez, co-owner, Agave Racing Stable:
Favorite race: My favorite Gold Phoenix race is hands down the 2026 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T)! The day before the Eddie Read, I had a horse lose the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) by a nose. Our horse, Maximum Bourbon, ran a big race and all of the partners were delighted with a second-place finish in a grade 1. That's not to say it didn't sting a little, but it's almost like Gold Phoenix was aware that we had been beaten by a nose, so all he did was go out and win the 2026 Eddie Read Stakes (G2T) by a nose! Who does that? Like I said, hands-down my favorite Gold Phoenix race.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? I've always followed the career of Gold Phoenix and remember when he won his first Del Mar Handicap coming from dead last to get up by a head. Little did I know it would be the first of four consecutive Del Mar Handicaps that the "Old Man" would win. At the time, I never really thought about having him in the Agave stable, and it wasn't until the 2024 Keeneland Championship sale at Del Mar that it became an option. I saw 25% was offered up at the auction and, while some might not covet a 6-year-old gelding, I was excited about taking a run at him. Since Phil D'Amato was the trainer and Little Red Feather the owner, it made my decision that much easier. When the bidding ended, he was mine, and now it's less than two years later, and he's put me in the winner's circle in graded stakes races five times, competed in two Breeders' Cup races, and run in two Turf Classics on Kentucky Derby day. If that isn't enough, he's 8 years old and still competing at the very top of the game!
Kevin Bogart of co-owner Sterling Stables:
Favorite race: It is close for me between the fourth year-in-a-row win in the 2025 Del Mar Handicap (G2T) and this year's win in the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T). I am going with the Eddie Read as it best tells the story of this magnificent athlete! Of his 34 races, this was the smallest margin of victory among his 13 wins, by a nose. He did it at the amazing age of 8 years old. He had some trouble early in the race, with a bit of a stumble, and he was last turning for home and running into a moderately paced race, all of which makes his furious late kick to power by two very strong contenders even that much more impressive. Finally, when looking at the head-on view late in the stretch, Gold Phoenix came out a bit to fully engage, eye-to-eye, with Formidable Man and simply would NOT let that horse go by him! It was a perfect example of the heart and class that epitomizes this truly amazing racehorse.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? I became an owner as a direct result of the love and passion that my mother and late father both showed for this great sport. Del Mar was their favorite, and it is mine as well, and we would go every summer. Gold Phoenix has provided a lifetime of thrilling moments that have been shared by my family, extended family, friends, business colleagues, and, of course, for my mom and me. I can only imagine what my dad must be doing in heaven on each of his race days! This once-in-a-lifetime racehorse has taken us to amazing places with tremendous, horse-loving people, including four Breeders' Cups, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, and, of course, Del Mar and Santa Anita. All the economic rewards pale in comparison to the joys, togetherness, and pure fun that has been our blessing as a part of the Gold Phoenix story and, no doubt, legacy that will live on for decades to come.
Marsha Naify, co-owner:
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? Gold Phoenix has continued to delight me and my friends over the years since his first race in America. With his running style, all of his wins have been thrilling. On Sept. 3, 2022, he won his first Del Mar Handicap (G2T), and he won three more after that, earning himself entries for the last four years to the Breeders' Cup with his signature stretch run.
I just feel so grateful to be a part of the partnership that has owned such a spectacular horse. What an incredible ride we all have had!
Elise Naify, co-owner
Favorite race: It's difficult to pick a favorite race because it was love the day I met him. His heart and determination and athleticism have driven him to historical places. We are all so proud of him. Thank you, Little Red Feather, for introducing us!
Joe Rosen, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: Without question, my favorite Gold Phoenix race was the 2025 Del Mar Handicap (G2T). Winning that race for the fourth consecutive year is an accomplishment that very few horses could ever dream of achieving. It's difficult enough to win any graded stakes race once, but to come back year after year and defeat the best older turf horses takes an extraordinary combination of talent, durability, soundness, and heart. The Del Mar Handicap (G2T) is also a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T), so the stakes couldn't have been higher. Watching Gold Phoenix continue to perform at that elite level season after season was something truly special. That victory wasn't just another graded stakes win—it cemented his legacy as one of the great turf horses of his generation and showcased the consistency and determination that made him such a remarkable competitor.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? Gold Phoenix is the definition of a once-in-a-lifetime horse. As an owner, you dream of being involved with a horse like him, but the reality is that very few people ever experience it. What makes him so special isn't just the number of races he's won or the over $2 million he's earned—it's the incredible longevity of his success. To still be competing at the highest level as an 8-year-old, and doing so against top-class competition, is exceptionally rare in today's racing world.
He reminds me of legends like Cigar, a horse who seemed to get better and more accomplished with age. Every time Gold Phoenix walks into the paddock, you know you're watching something unique. If he returns to the Breeders' Cup again, it would mark his fifth consecutive appearance, placing him second all-time behind Channel Maker in Breeders' Cup appearances. Regardless of what happens from here, Gold Phoenix has already given us memories that will last a lifetime, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of his journey.
Ron McMackon, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? Gold Phoenix is just an amazing horse. What impresses me most is his longevity. To still be competing at such a high level, and to consistently run down talented 3- and 4-year-olds, speaks volumes about his heart, soundness, and determination. Horses like that don't come along very often.
Gold Phoenix will always be special to us. It's not just because of the records he's set or the races he's won, but because of the remarkable horse he is and the people we've been fortunate to share his journey with. Racing is a great way to bring passionate people together, and Gold Phoenix has made us all grateful for the fantastic memories he has given us all.
Cindy McMackon, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: Any race he wins. Gold Phoenix is exciting because he's never truly out of it. Time and again, he's come from last—or close to last— around the final turn to run down the leaders. He has an incredible closing kick, and if he finds the right path, he always gives you the feeling that anything is possible.
Even in many of the races he didn't win, I couldn't help but think that with just a little more room or another hundred yards, he might have caught them. That's what makes watching him so special—no matter how far back he is, you never stop believing.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? Gold Phoenix means far more to me than winning races. He represents heart, perseverance, and the belief that you're never out of the fight. Time after time, he reminds me that it's not where you are at the final turn that matters—it's how you finish.
Watching him compete has been an incredible privilege. He's given our family unforgettable memories and allowed us to meet and be around wonderful people. Becoming a part of Del Mar history is just icing on the cake.
Gold Phoenix is a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and I'm grateful for every race we've shared with him and our partners at Little Red Feather.
Robert Fakhimi, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: My all-time favorite Gold Phoenix race was his second time in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Santa Anita. It was a beautiful day. He came charging at the end and got fourth place and lost to the best horse in the world, Auguste Rodin.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? He's been one of our favorite all-time horses, and the fact that he's done so well in Del Mar, which is our home base, has been just incredible.
John Ransom, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race(s): Watching him win the Eddie Read Stakes (G2T), July 30, 2023, with my son J on his birthday and again July 26, 2026, on my birthday. Pretty hard to beat that for memories, but running fourth in the Breeders' Cup Turf twice against the best turf horses in the world is really hard to beat as well.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? It has been great times with the LRF partners, friends, and family! It means a lot.
Hans Maron, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: The Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1T) stands out as my favorite race. It was especially memorable because it was so unexpected. Gold Phoenix won at a shorter distance and over a track that wasn't considered his favorite, making the victory even more impressive. His versatility has always amazed me—winning races from seven furlongs all the way to 1 3/4 miles. That kind of range, combined with his durability and soundness, is incredibly rare.
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? Being part of Gold Phoenix's journey has been an incredible privilege. He's a true champion who has taken us to four Breeders' Cup World Championships. But beyond the success on the track, it's the friendships that mean the most. Sharing those experiences, year after year, with our fellow partners has created lasting memories, and that's truly the best part of being involved with Gold Phoenix.
Ciaran Thornton, partner, Little Red Feather Racing:
Favorite race: For me, it was the 2022 Del Mar Handicap (G2T) and the thrilling nose victory in the race we had targeted all year. I lost my voice for a week from cheering that afternoon! We told our friends—and anyone else who would listen—that our superhorse was going to win it. Watching that dream become reality was incredibly special. My wife, Shannon, still fondly remembers the 2023 Del Mar Handicap (G2T) when we ran it back, and she cried after the win, something that has happened many more times!
What does Gold Phoenix mean to you? Gold Phoenix was the very first horse my family ever bought into. Having grown up in Ireland, horse racing has always been part of my life. Some of my favorite childhood memories are going to the races with my dad. It only seems fitting that Gold's first race came at the very track in the area I grew up, making the experience feel like it had come full circle.
From that first start to winning some of the biggest turf races in California, Gold Phoenix has given our family memories we will treasure forever. He isn't just our first horse—he'll always hold a special place in our hearts.
