When Paul and Suzanne Hanifl talk about their ambitions, they don't sound any different from dozens of others who breed and race horses in Minnesota. The couple from North Oaks wants to produce thoroughbreds that can win at Canterbury Park, adding an extra dollop of fun to the summer days they spend with their family at the Shakopee track.
Chances are they didn't need to breed to a Triple Crown winner to make that happen. But when the opportunity arose for the Hanifls to send a mare to American Pharoah _ who broke a 37-year Triple Crown drought in 2015 with victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes _ they didn't hesitate.
"Why not?" Paul Hanifl said. "We're not getting any younger. We have the means, and we're upgrading our mares and sires all the time."
What Hanifl described as an "upgrade," however, represents an unprecedented leap forward for a Minnesota breeder. The sturdy bay colt born May 6 at Wood-Mere Farm near Webster, Minn., is believed to be the first Minnesota-bred ever sired by a Triple Crown champion.
American Pharoah ended his 11-race career with nine victories and $8,650,300 in earnings, winning the Breeders' Cup Classic after becoming the 12th horse to sweep the Triple Crown. Justify, the favorite in the Belmont Stakes, could become the 13th on Saturday.
It's still unknown how much of American Pharoah's brilliance might be passed to his offspring. His first foals were born in 2017 and will not be old enough to race until next year, though two already have sold for $1 million each.
Paul Hanifl declined to disclose the stud fee, which is now private after starting out at $200,000. It's safe to say it was significantly higher than most Minnesota breeders pay, even those who send mares to quality Kentucky stallions.
To the Hanifls, the dollars matter less than the dreams. It's all about trying to produce that one life-changing horse, and in the process, prodding other Minnesota breeders to aim higher, too. Their bold move has captured plenty of attention in an industry eager to see how it plays out.
"When I heard the news, I thought, 'Bully for them. They're going to take a shot,' " said David Miller, a Minnesota-based bloodstock agent and pedigree expert. "All eyes are going to be on that colt, every step of the way.
"The bar has been raised from a spending standpoint. It's really exciting to see someone in Minnesota make that level of investment."
One More Strike stood in her stall as her week-and-a-half old foal, sired by Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh, took a nap.
