Forbidden Apple (Pleasant Colony–North of Eden {Ire}, by Northfields), a Grade I winner of nearly $1.7 million, passed away June 16 due to the infirmities of old age at the age of 30 at TRF Second Chances at Lowell, where he resided since 2013.
He was remembered by the TRF Friday with the release noting that, “At Lowell, Forbidden Apple, affectionately known as “Apple,” quickly became a favorite among Second Chances Program students and staff. His gentle demeanor, playful nature, and deep love for treats and grooming brushes made him both a teacher and a companion to all who knew him.”
One of a number of top-class horses bred by Arthur Appleton from North of Eden–a half-sister to champion Theatrical (Ire)–Forbidden Apple was trained throughout his career by the late Christophe Clement, making all but one of his 31 starts on the grass. After posting the first graded success of his career in the GII Belmont Cup Breeders' Cup Handicap, he registered his lone top-level victory in the 2001 Manhattan Handicap over 10 furlongs and added the GII Kelso Handicap ahead of a runner-up effort to Val Royal (Fr) in that year's GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Belmont Park.
Runner-up in defense of the Manhattan in 2002, he was third and beaten a head in three-way go in that year's GI Arlington Million. Also fourth in back-to-back runnings of the G1 Hong Kong Mile, Forbidden Apple retired with a record of 8-6-9 from his 31 trips to the post for earnings of $1,680,640.
A half-brother to champion Paradise Creek (Irish River {Fr}) and GISW Wild Event (Wild Again)–later a perennial leading sire in Brazil–Forbidden Apple entered stud at Appleton's Bridlewood Farm near Ocala. From limited runners, he was responsible for Worstcasescenario, winner of the 2009 GII Adirondack Stakes.
🍎 Remembering a legend 🍎
Forbidden Apple—a Breeders' Cup star with $1.6M in earnings—joined TRF Second Chances at Lowell in 2013. For 12 sweet years, he was a farm favorite, spoiled & adored.
He passed just after turning 30.
Run free, Apple. 💚#TRFSecondChances #ForeverLoved pic.twitter.com/Nc1OjsXYbS— Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) (@trfinc) June 20, 2025
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