Longtime Claiborne Farm client Adele Dilschneider was at Oaklawn Park in 1984 when reigning Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Althea demolished a field of colts in the Arkansas Derby. So, it was only fitting that a decade and a year later, she partnered with Claiborne Farm to purchase a handsome, dark bay grandson of that memorable filly.
Out of Aurora – one of four stakes winners produced by Althea – Arch was by the Roberto-line stallion Kris S., and he was a standout at the 1995 Keeneland July sale. Mrs. Dilschneider and Claiborne had their eyes on him and purchased the colt for $710,000. Arch broke his maiden first time out at Keeneland in October at two, then did not race until the next year. Arch turned in a stellar performance at Saratoga – winning by an impressive nine lengths, then scored back to back stakes wins. He won the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs, and defeated older horses in track record time in Keeneland’s Fayette S.
Arch’s impact at stud has been significant. He is the sire of international champions Arravale (Canadian Horse of the Year and Divisional Champion), Les Arcs (Champion Older Male in England and Darley Cup winner), Overarching (three-time Champion Sprinter in South Africa), as well as Blame (Eclipse Champion Older Male and Breeders’ Cup Classic-G1 winner).
4 Champions, 70 SWs, 12 Grade 1 SWs
Arch died in 2016 of an apparent heart attack. Buried at Claiborne Farm.