In 1989 With Approval became Canada’s first Triple Crown winner in 26 years, but his heroics in 1990 would surpass his feats of the previous season when he was acclaimed as one of the fastest horses on the turf in North America. Owned and bred by Kinghaven Farm, the splendid 4-year-old roan colt by Caro-Passing Mood, set a world record in New York and was involved in heart-breaking second- place finishes in the Arlington Million at Chicago and the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Belmont.

With Approval thrived over Belmont’s turf course, shattering the world record for 1 3/8 miles in capturing the Bowling Green Handicap. He also won the Tidal Handicap at Belmont in track-record time and was third by less than two lengths at Belmont in the Turf Classic. In the Breeders’ Cup Turf he was narrowly beaten at the wire by England’s In The Wings. He won the Connaught Cup at Woodbine and was third in the Sword Dancer at Belmont to round out his sensational 4-year-old season.

Undefeated in both juvenile starts in 1988, including a win in the Display Stakes, With Approval was even better at age three. Those who knew With Approval very well called him “Snoopy”, because he was so laid-back. But those who watched him in action called him the “Cardiac Kid”, because his racing style kept them on the edge of their seats. After wins in the Marine and Plate Trial Stakes, With Approval became just the second gray or roan to win the Queen’s Plate in 130 years. But it wasn’t an easy trip. Bumped, shuffled back by 15 lengths and bogged down on the rail, jockey Don Seymour finally got his colt clear and running at the top of the stretch. He won by a nose. The Prince of Wales wasn’t any easier as he won by a head. The Breeders’ Cup on the turf, the colt’s favorite surface, was a romp for him winning by 7 1/2-lengths and earning a $1 million bonus. With Approval retired with a then Canadian earnings record of $2.8 million from 23 starts (13-5-1). At stud he sired 2-year-old champion Talkin Man.