Passings

Two horses of note passed away within the last day or so. El Prado and Summer Squall each made their mark on the Thoroughbred industry in their own different ways.

El Prado did his running in Europe and did win a Group 1 and a Group 2 stakes race in Ireland. He really came into prominence when he went to the stud barn. El Prado began his stud career in 1993 and at its apex his stud fee was $125,000 in 2006. Among his progeny is Medaglia d'Oro, who is only the Sire of current wonderhorse, Rachel Alexandra. So, without El Prado, we don't have the horse of the decade. Overall, he produced 74 stakes winners. That is certainly a record worthy of recognition.

Summer Squall also deserves a nod on the day of his passing. The 1990 Preakness winner was euthanized at the age of 22 at Lane's End Farm in Kentucky. Summer Squall might not have had the longevity of stud success that El Prado did, but he did produce 37 stakes winners. That total includes 1999 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, Charismatic. His stud fee got as high as $50,000 in 2001 and 2002. Being the Sire of a Kentucky Derby winner (and running 2nd in the Derby yourself) will tend to make you a hot commodity.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!