He was a contender for the Triple Crown in 2006, but a starting gate incident contributed to his defeat in the Blue Grass Stakes.
[citation needed] Two weeks after the race, First Samurai was diagnosed with two broken ribs following an ultrasound.
He has been ridden by Pat Day and Jerry Bailey, both jockeys now retired, and the still racing Edgar Prado.
In his career, cut short by injury, he started 8 times, winning 5, placing in 1, showing in 1, with total earnings of $915,075 First Samurai stands at stud at the Hancock Family's Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky.
His starting fee in 2007 was $40,000 and stood alongside Claiborne's other stallions, which included Pulpit, Seeking the Gold, During, Eddington, and Strong Hope.