Three-time AQHA champion Apocalyptical Jess is enjoying retirement while exploring potential second careers as a riding horse, barrel horse, pony horse, and ranch horse.

© Courtesy Robbins Family

By Andrea Caudill, AQHA

JUNE 2, 2026–American Quarter Horse racing fans know Apocalyptical Jess.

They cashed tickets on him in 18 races over five glorious years, and his competition watched his flame-sorrel tail flash down the track in front of them in nine starts. Among his biggest victories were the 2018 All American Futurity (G1) and the 2019 Ruidoso Derby (G1). He earned three champion titles, including the 2018 champion 2-year-old gelding, 2019 champion 3-year-old gelding and 2019 champion 3-year-old.

The 2016 gelding was bred by Danny Joe Miller and is the third-highest earner for leading living sire Apollitical Jess, who from only 15 crops to race has progeny earnings exceeding $84 million. He sits behind only the legendary First Down Dash, who leads the racing world in progeny earnings with more than $90.8 million. Apocalyptical Jess himself contributed $2,251,556 toward Apollitical Jess’ growing legend.

His dam is Cassandra Crest, a daughter of Holland Ease whose second dam is Miller’s foundation mare, Diamond Spoon. Cassandra Crest was Grade 1 placed in her racing career and she has also produced stakes horses CC Hocks ($193,222), CC Kachina Eagle ($128,215) and CC Seis ($87,196).

Apocalyptical Jess made 28 starts in his career for his owner, Danny Joe’s son-in-law, Bill Robbins, and retired sound and happy in 2022.

“He’s still just as sound as could be, both mentally and physically,” said Bill’s daughter, Mallory, who is an AQHA Youth Racing Experience graduate, a member of the AQHA Racing Committee and is deeply involved with the family’s racing and breeding operations. “He is relatively young, he’s 10 now. He’s healthy, he’s mentally and physically sound, and he’s one of those horses who likes to do something.

“This horse doesn’t owe us anything, and he doesn’t need a job,” she continued. “He just likes to have a job. He likes to be involved, he’ll follow you around, he wants to see what you’re doing and be around you.”

While the family is crystal clear that “AJ” will never leave their care, they believed that the intelligent and deeply people-oriented horse wanted an opportunity to explore a range of potential second careers to see if he might enjoy being a riding horse, or a barrel horse, or a trail horse, or a pony horse.

“He’s a horse who liked what he did and he just likes to be doing something,” Mallory said.

The versatility of the American Quarter Horse means that even a legendary racehorse like AJ has all the tools needed, from a good mind to outstanding athleticism, to effortlessly switch careers. Keeping welfare top-of-mind for the horse means giving him the chance to enjoy new experiences.

Horseman Marty Powers started AJ as a riding horse and even introduced him to roping. AJ went to trainer Ali Gee, who started him on the barrel pattern. Today, AJ is standing in a prime stall at Remington Park, exploring being a pony horse and working at a nearby feedlot. While AJ makes a decision on whether or not he wants to be the fastest horse under a stock saddle or would rather just enjoy a lush life at pasture, the horse is busy enjoying being back at the racetrack and soaking up all the shedrow affection due to a superstar of his stature. Everyone who passes his stall has to pay their tax of visiting with him.

“My dad’s nickname for him was ‘The Big Dog,’” Mallory said. “He acted like a puppy (wanting affection from people) and you better stop at his stall in the shedrow and give him all the love and attention. My mom stopped by and he immediately dropped his head right in her chest. He’s just that type of horse.”

Regardless of where the cheerful sorrel spends his time, his future is secure with the family who cares for him.

“We bred him, we’ve had him since the day he was born and we will have him until the day he dies,” she said. “This horse just means so much to our family. He’s brought many amazing memories to our family and we have a lot to thank him for. We just love him to death and want him to have a great rest of his life and be happy.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.