1st place winner Albertus Maximus dies aged 18
1st place winner and hero Breeders ‘Cup Dirt Mile Albertus Maximus died at the age of 18.
Recently written for the Old Friends Retirement Ranch in Lexington, from Shadwell’s Nashwan Stud, the stallion was fatally injured in a shoal accident. A full laparotomy is pending.
Son of Retired Old Friend Albert the Great, out of forty Niner mare Chasethewildwind, Albertus Maximus won six out of 17 starts with earnings of $1,328,230.
Driven by Shadwell Farms and coached by Kiaran McLaughlin, Albertus Maximus was twice graded at the age of 3 before hitting strides at 4 and 5 years old. He finished the second run of TVG Breeders ‘Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita . Park in 2008 before scoring the biggest win of his career at the 2009 Donn Handicap (G1) at the Gulfstream Park.
Sent to the UAE for the Dubai World Cup sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) that same year, Albertus Maximus suffered a race injury and had to retire. He spent his entire academic career at His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Ranch near Lexington.
“Albertus Maximus inherited the confidence of the male,” says Old Friends president Michael Blowen. “Like Albert the Great, Albertus is well aware of his extraordinary talent. If not the friendliest retiree, he is handsome and knows it — and we specialize in superstars. “
This press release has been edited for content and style by the BloodHorse Staff.