Quirky and strong-willed, Fusaichi Pegasus had the talent and physique to back up his temperament on his march to Churchill Downs for the 2000 Kentucky Derby. This shoe is from his winning efforts in the March 19, 2000 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Ridden by jockey Kent Desormeaux, the Neil Drysdale trainee defeated a very talented field that included multiple stakes winners The Deputy, Anees and Commendable. His 3/4 length victory in the Wood Memorial propelled him to the Kentucky Derby, where he was the first favorite to win the Run for the Roses since Spectacular Bid in 1979. Fusaichi Pegasus was retired to stud following the 2000 racing season with six wins in nine starts and career earnings of almost $2 million. As a prospective stallion he was sold for $70 million and sired 75 stakes winners before being pensioned in 2020. The winning shoe is mounted on a 7x9" tooled walnut plaque with brass halter tag nameplate and was secured by his farrier Wes Champagne, and a letter of authenticity accompanies the shoes stating the same. A very rare opportunity to own a race-worn artifact from the early career of a Kentucky Derby winner.