As each year passes in racing we marvel over the new foals that are born in the spring and share in the disappointment of our favorites retiring. We mourn the deaths of the most important people in the game, but how often at the year’s end do we take the time to remember our equine heroes? Year after year we lose very important equine stars and move on after reading a news article or two about their achievements. This year at Past the Wire we remember the 2018 horse deaths with a special end of the year piece. Here are the stars we said goodbye to.
Leavem In Malibu was euthanized at age 5 following a training accident while training up to the Pegasus World Cup.
Lifetime Achievements : G3 Winner, Canadian Classic placed
Early Pioneer was euthanized at age 23 at Old Friends. He had fallen ill with chronic laminitis as well as suspected cancer.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $1.1 million
Dreaming of Anna died at age 14 of a ruptured aorta at Woodspring Farm in Kentucky.
Lifetime Achievements : 2006 Breeders’ Cup Champion (Juvenile Fillies), 2006 Eclipse Champion 2YO Filly
Russell Road died at age 12 due to complications from colic at his home in West Virginia.
Lifetime Achievements : Multitple Stakes Winner, 2nd richest West Virginia-bred of all time with over $2.1 million in earnings
Private Zone was euthanized at age 9 after suffering from anterior enteritis. He had recently been retired to Old Friends where he passed.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $2.9 million, 2011 Champion 2YO in Panama
Phantom On Tour was euthanized at age 24 due to complications from EPM, which he suffered from since 2006. Passed away at his home at the Kentucky Derby Museum.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner, official “spokeshorse” of the Kentucky Derby and Museum
Aljabr died of a heart attack at age 22. Had recently been pensioned from stud duties at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 1998 Cartier Champion 2YO Colt
Miss Vista was euthanized at age 5 due to chronic, incurable laminitis. She was a fan favorite in Australia at the time of her passing.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner
Ukiah died at age 16 due to complications from colic at Old Friends, where he had been a long time resident.
Lifetime Achievements : Old Friends resident since 2010
Thewayyouare died at age 13 at Haras de Corlay in France, where he had stood since 2017. Known recently for being the sire of globetrotter Toast of New York.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Fashion Cat passed away at age 16 following foaling complications. Her Exaggerator colt survived.
Lifetime Achievements : dam of G2 winner Corfu
Jakkalberry died at age 12 following an intestinal infection at Novara Park in New Zealand where had stood since 2014. Extremely successful globetrotter and fan favorite.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, raced in 6 different countries, earner of over $2.2 million
Send It In was euthanized at age 6 following his breakdown in the Hal’s Hope Stakes.
Lifetime Achievements : G3 Winner
Dr Devious died peacefully in his sleep at age 29 in Sardinia. Had recently been pensioned from stud duty the following season.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $1.4 million, 1992 English Champion 3YO Colt
Take Charge Lady died at age 19 following foaling complications. She was serving broodmare duties at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2013 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year, dam of G1 Winners Take Charge Indy and Champion Will Take Charge, earner of over $2.4 million
The Wow Signal was euthanized at age 6 after battling laminitis for several months. He was a stallion at Haras de Bouquetot in France.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2014 French Champion 2YO Colt
Mourinho was euthanized at age 3 following a break down in a morning workout at Santa Anita. Had been a leader in the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner
Elusive Quality was euthanized at age 25 due to the infirmities of old age. He was pensioned the following season at Darley where he passed.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner, sire of numerous stakes winner including champions Smarty Jones and Raven’s Pass
The Truth Or Else died at age 6 of a suspected heart attack after being eased in the Kentucky Cup Classic.
Lifetime Achievements : Stakes Winner, placed in a G1 in Korea
Hidden Dark died at age 28 following many issues related to old age. She was a long time resident of Old Friends where she passed.
Lifetime Achievements : part of “Old Girlfriends” at Old Friends
Poet’s Voice died at age 11 of a suspected heart attack while serving stud duties at Dalham Hall Stud in England.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Thunder Gulch was euthanized at age 26 due to the infirmities of old age. He passed away at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud where he stood his entire stud career.
Lifetime Achievements : 1995 Kentucky Derby Champion, 1995 Belmont Stakes Champion, 1995 Eclipse Champion 3YO Colt, 2001 Leading North American Sire, earner of over $2.9 million
Trempolino passed away peacefully at age 34 at Haras du Mezeray in France.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner (including 1987 Arc de Triomphe), 1987 French Champion 3YO Colt, earner of over $1.3 million
Toormore was euthanized at age 7 following a serious leg injury while in training in Dubai. He had recently been brought back into training after standing a season at Dalham Hall Stud.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2013 highest rated 2YO in Europe, earner of over $1.3 million
Unencumbered died at age 6 following complications from throat surgery. He was a stallion at Three Bridges Thoroughbreds in Australia.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2013 Australian Champion 2YO Colt, earner of over $1.2 million
Hasili passed away at age 27 at Juddmonte’s Banstead Manor. She was the royal blue hen of the Juddmonte operation and the most prized mare in the world at the time of her death.
Lifetime Achievements : 2006 European Broodmare of the Year, dam of G1 winners and champions Banks Hill, Cacique, Champs Elysees, Dansili, Heat Haze, and Intercontinental
Born Gold died at age 27 at her home in France. She was the grande dame of Wertheimer and Frere racing for many years.
Lifetime Achievements : dam of multiple Champion and Hall of Famer Goldikova as well as G1 Winner and G1 Placed Galikova and Anodin
Silviniaco Conti died at age 12 following in accident in a team chase drill. Was one of the world’s top rated National Hunt horses at the time of his death.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2014 Top Rated Irish Jumper, earner of over $1.4 million
Giant’s Causeway died at age 21 following a brief illness. He was the flagship stallion at Ashford Stud in Kentucky at the time of his death.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2000 Cartier Horse of the Year, 2009 and 2011-2012 Leading North American Sire, earner of over $3 million
Ten Blessings was euthanized at age 5 after breaking down in the Kona Gold Stakes.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Placed
Bullards Alley was euthanized at age 6 after breaking down during the Elkhorn Stakes.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Afleet Again died at age 11 due to complications of colic. He was a stallion at Happy Farm in Korea at the time of his passing.
Lifetime Achievements : 2011 Breeders’ Cup Champion (Marathon)
Via Veneto died at age 12 following foaling complications. Her Bodemeister filly survived.
Lifetime Achievements : Stakes Winner, star of inaugural Foal Patrol season 1
Special Week died at age 23 from injuries he sustained after a paddock accident. He was a stallion at Lex Stud in Japan.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner (including 1999 Japan Cup), 1999 JRA Special Award recipient, earner of over $9.8 million
Pins passed away at age 21 due to complications from colic. He was the flagship stallion of Waikato Farm in New Zealand.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, ranked 4th All Time in New Zealand stallion rankings, earner of over $1.2 million
Catlaunch was euthanized at age 17 following complications of severe neurologic disease at Old Friends.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner, 2006 Champion Ohio-bred Male, 2007-2009 Champion Ohio Handicap Horse, earner of over $1.1 million
Air France was euthanized at age 19 following foaling complications. Her Bernardini colt survived.
Lifetime Achievements : Dam of G2 Winners Smooth Air and Overdriven
Flying Spur passed away at age 25 in his sleep at Arrowfield Stud in Australia.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, Australian Champion Sire, earner of over $1.4 million
Poliglote died at age 26 at Haras d’Etreham in France where he was recently pensioned.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2012 French Champion Sire, 2012 Champion National Hunt Sire (remains only stallion to be a champion on the jumps and flat in the same year)
Tour of the Cat died suddenly at age 20 due to an intestinal hernia. He passed away at Old Friends Kentucky Downs.
Lifetime Achievements : Stakes Winner
Kingsbarns died at age 8 following complications from colic. He was a stallion at Drakenstein Stud in South Africa.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Northern Afleet was euthanized at age 25 due to complications from a gastrointestinal illness. He was a stallion at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner, sire of numerous Stakes Winners including Champions Afleet Alex, World Approval, and Amazombie
Denman was euthanized at age 18 after struggling with a life long heart condition. Known for being one of the greatest chasers of all time with his rival Kauto Star.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2006-2007 Irish Champion Novice Chaser, 2007 ROA Oustanding Novice Chaser, 2007-2008 Irish Jumps Horse of the Year, 2007-2008 Champion Distance Chaser
Montauk was euthanized at age 3 after fracturing his shoulder during a workout.
Lifetime Achievements : remembered for his 11 ¼ debut at Belmont Park, his only start
Gygistar died unexpectedly at age 18 at his home in Kentucky where he was owned by Diana Baker.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $1.1 million
I’m Charismatic was euthanized at age 17 after a long battle with chronic arthritis at Old Friends.
Lifetime Achievements : remembered fondly for being the blind companion of G1 Winner Arson Squad
Untrapped was euthanized at age 4 due to laminitis.
Lifetime Achievements : G3 Winner
Senga died at age 4 unexpectedly after retiring in France for broodmare duties. She was in foal to Galileo a the time of her death.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Magic Mark collapsed and died at age 8 following his run in the Bertrando Stakes.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner
Steppenwolfer died at age 15 due to complications from colic. He had recently retired from steeplechase.
Lifetime Achievements : 2006 Kentucky Derby 3rd Place
Gasconade died at age 14 at Old Friends. Was a son of Breeders’ Cup Champion Brave Raj.
Lifetime Achievements : Old Friends resident since 2010
The Green Monkey was euthanized at age 14 due to complications from laminitis. He was a stallion at Harley / De Renzo Thoroughbreds in Florida.
Lifetime Achievements : most expensive horse ever sold at public auction with a price of $16 million
Takaful was euthanized at age 4 after suffering a fatal injury in a workout at Belmont Park.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Sully’s Dream was euthanized at age 4 due to complications from an injury sustained during the Modesty Handicap.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner
Say Florida Sandy died at age 24 of a heart attack at Old Friends.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner, 2001-2002 New York Horse of the Year, 1997 New York Champion 2YO Colt, 3 Time New York Champion Sprinter, 2 Time New York Champion Older Horse, earner of over $2 million
Hinchinbrook was euthanized at age 10 following a fractured leg he sustained while exercising. He was the flagship stallion at Yarraman Park Stud in Australia.
Lifetime Achievements : G3 Winner, 2015 Australian Champion 1st Crop Sire
Honour and Glory was euthanized at age 25 following complications after fracturing his femur. He was a stallion at Haras Rapetti in Uruguay.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Bobby Abu Dhabi died at age 4 due to spinal injuries he sustained during a workout at Del Mar.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner
Wild Event died at age 25 of a spontaneous diaphragm rupture. He was a highly influential sire in Brazil standing at Haras Santa Maria de Araras.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Black Sam Bellamy was euthanized at age 19 due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was a stallion at Shade Oak Stud in England.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2002 Italian Champion 3YO Colt, raced in 5 countries
T.M. Opera O died at age 22 of a heart attack at Hakuba Bokujo Farm in Japan.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner (including 2000 Japan Cup), 1999 Japanese Champion 3YO Colt, 2000 Japanese Horse of the Year, 2000 Japanese Champion Older Horse, earner of over $16.6 million (7th all time leading money earner)
Noble’s Promise was euthanized at age 11 following kidney failure. He was a stallion at Breakway Farm in Indiana.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $1.1 million
Awardee was euthanized at age 8 after fracturing his right hock during a training accident.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $4.5 million
Genuine Reward was euthanized at age 25 due to the infirmities of old age at Old Friends. He was the miracle first foal out of Kentucky Derby Champion Genuine Risk.
Lifetime Achievements : successful polo stallion, Old Friend resident since 2015
Country Star died at age 13 will serving broodmare duties.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, recorder holder for 1 ¼ miles at Hollywood Park
Bowie was euthanized at age 4 after suffering a break down in the Smart N Fancy Stakes.
Lifetime Achievements : popular fan favorite born with one blue eye and named for David Bowie
Medicean died at age 21 of a suspected heart attack. He was recently pensioned due to declining fertility.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
A P Valentine was euthanized at age 20 due to complications from colic. He had recently been retired from stallion duties to Old Friends.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2001 Preakness Stakes 2nd, 2001 Belmont Stakes 2nd
Soft Falling Rain died unexpectedly at age 9. He was a stallion at Wilgerbosdrift Stud in South Africa.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2012 Equus Champion 2YO Colt
Encosta de Lago died at age 25 while enjoying life as a pensioner at Coolmore’s operation in Australia.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2007-2008 Australian Champion Sire
Paddy O’Prado died at age 11 in a paddock accident after recently being relocated to Evcimen Harasi in Turkey.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2010 Kentucky Derby 3rd, earner of over $1.7 million
Set Them Free died at age 28 while enjoying her retirement at Mill Ridge Farm in Kentucky.
Lifetime Achievements : Stakes Winner, dam of 2005 Kentucky Derby Champion Giacomo as well as graded stakes winner Tiago and Stanwyck
Cliffs of Moher was euthanized at age 4 after breaking down during the Melbourne Cup.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner, earner of over $1.2 million
Identity Thief was euthanized at age 8 after fracturing a shoulder during the Lismullen Hurdle.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Burning Roma was euthanized at age 20 due to complications from a strangulated lipoma. He was a stallion at Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions in Florida.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $1.5 million
With Anticipation died at age 23 while enjoying retirement in Pennsylvania.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, earner of over $2.6 million
Trigger Warning was euthanized at age 3 due to a fracture he sustained after winning the Steel Valley Sprint.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner
Ertijaal passed away at age 7 after suffering from colic. He had recently returned to training.
Lifetime Achievements : G2 Winner
Monet’s Garden was euthanized at age 20 due to the infirmities of old age.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner over both fences and hurdles
I Want Revenge died at age 12 of a virus he likely contracted at the Keeneland November Sale. He had just been purchased by the Jean family and was set to stand his first season in Indiana.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
Sinndar died at age 21 after recently being pensioned from stud duties.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner (only horse in history to win the Arc de Triomphe, Epsom Derby and Irish Derby in the same season), 2000 Cartier Champion 3YO Colt, earner of over $3.1 million
Star of Goshen died at age 24 following old age complications. She had recently been pensioned from broodmare duties.
Lifetime Achievements : Stakes Winner, dam of G1 Winner Pioneerof the Nile, grand dam of Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah
Robin Des Champs died at age 21 while serving stallion duties at Glenview Stud in Ireland.
Lifetime Achievements : Multiple Stakes Winner, Champion National Hunt Sire
Champs Elysees died at age 15 of an apparent heart attack. He was a stallion at Castlehyde Stud in Ireland.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner, 2009 Sovereign Horse of the Year, earner of over $2.9 million
Tosen Basil was euthanized at age 6 following injuries he sustained in a paddock accident.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Placed, earner of over $1.6 million
Bob and John was euthanized at age 15 due to complications from laminitis. He was standing in South Korea.
Lifetime Achievements : G1 Winner
To any horses we missed or did not mention, run free in greener pastures. Your worth on and off the racetrack will not go unnoticed.
