'Now it's real'; Triple Crown winner Justify back in Kentucky

It was official last week, but it began feeling so on Wednesday when Justify stepped off the van at WinStar Farm at about 12:30 p.m. in Versailles, Ky., looking ready to race but now as a retired superstar.

WinStar announced tours available to the public to see the unbeaten Triple Crown winner, at least until Justify's permanent home is finalized.

"We’re so grateful to have had him and of what he’s done, that kind of overshadows everything else,” Dana Barnes, exercise rider for the Bob Baffert barn, said over the weekend. “We got to enjoy him and we know he’s going out safe and sound. That’s the main thing, our No. 1 concern.

“There’s a little bit of melancholy, of course. Every one that leaves, you hate to see them go. But when you know they’re going to live a happy life and be healthy, that’s all you care about.”

Elliott Walden, president and CEO at WinStar, acknowledged that negotiations have occurred with breeding giant Coolmore, which also stands 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah at stud.

"Justify has given us a lot, so we can’t be disheartened," Walden said last weekend, just before the son of Scat Daddy paraded for fans at Del Mar. "He is, gratefully, sound and he’s going to head into the next phase of his life in good shape.”

It's possible, given how Coolmore has shuttled American Pharoah to Australia for the Southern Hemisphere's breeding season, that Wednesday's's travel didn't mark Justify's final time on a plane, which he's always handled well.

“You know, it’s just a little bit sad. Now it’s real," Smith said at the parade. "He’s really going. Understand, I’m happy for him. He’s going to be happy where he’s going. I’m just glad I was part of all this. Special horse; special time. We’ll miss him.”