Breeders’ Cup Turf Winner Prized Euthanized at Old Friends

GEORGETOWN, KY – JULY 14, 2014 

photo © equisportphotos.com

Prized, winner of the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf, was euthanized on Sunday due to infirmities of old age. The 28 year old stallion had been receiving care from Dr. Bryan Waldridge because of deteriorating mobility. 

Bred by Meadowbrook Farm in Ocala, by Kris S. out of My Turbulent Miss (My Dad George), Prized was raced by Meadowbrook and Clover Racing Stable and trained by Neil Drysdale and ridden by Eddie Delaboussaye. At three years old Prized won the Bradbury Stakes at Santa Anita, then prevailed over 1989 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Sunday Silence in the Swaps Stakes (GII). That September the dark bay son of Kris S. took the Molson Export Million, which had came off the turf, a victory that secured the colt-a three year old who had only started on dirt-entry in the 1989 Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI). His triumph in a head-to-head duel with Sierra Roberta made Prized the first horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the his first start on the grass, as well as the first horse in racing history to win two million-dollar races on two surfaces in a single season.

Prized continued his turf successes as a four year old. He won the 1990 Arcadia Handicap (G IIIT) and a few weeks later the San Luis Rey Handicap (G IT). Prized retired from racing in 1991 with a lifetime 17 starts, 9 wins, 2 seconds and 3 thirds and $2,262,555.

From 1992 through 2010, Prized stood at Cardiff Stud in California, Dixiana Farm and Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky, and O’Sullivan Farms in West Virginia, From 811 foals he sired 617 starters, 443 winners and 36 black type winners, including GI winner Brass Hat, G2 winners Prized Stamp, Fun House, and Pisces, and New Zealand GI winners Prized Gem (NZ) and Prize Lady (NZ), for $31,351,805 progeny earnings. Though his daughter Fun House, Prized is the damsire of GI winners Paddy O’Prado and this year’s Kentucky Oaks winner, Untapable. His broodmare sire earnings are $36,117,641.

“We brought Prized up every afternoon from his paddock for a cool shower, extra carrots and the adulation of his fans,” said Michael Blowen of Old Friends. “He loved it. It’s always very, very sad when we lose a retiree, especially one as accomplished and adored as Prized. I know his owners felt privileged accepting his Breeders Cup trophy but we felt the same way being honored as his caretakers these past few years. It’s something that can never be measured by statistics or money.” 

 For more information about Old Friends see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org  or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.  

Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 135 retired racehorses. It’s Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, N.Y., Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.