Rockridge Stud reported on September 10 that the 18-year-old stallion Al Khali, a son of Gold Medal died of colic on September 7. The multi-millionaire prize-winning horse had ridden at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, New York, for the past three seasons.
Al Khali was purchased as a yearling for $15,000 at the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Dante Zanelli Jr. He then made 41 starts for Maria Santa in Peru, then came to the United States and raced for WinStar Farm, and finished his career for owners Brous Stable and Wachtel Stable with trainer Bill Mott. For his final ownership group, he won the 2009 Saranac Stakes (G3T) and placed 3rd at Saratoga Race Track and the 2010 Bowling Green Handicap (G2T) at Belmont Park at the age of 4. He has won six Grade 1 titles, including runner-up finishes in the 2012 Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (G1T) and the 2012 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1T).
Al Khali is also the full brother of former stallion New York Japan Both were by Capote’s winning mare Maya. Al Khali retired to Keane Stud in 2016 with a record of 8-5-5 and earnings of $1,019,510.
“We are saddened by the loss of this beloved horse,” said owner Adam Wachtel. “Big Al was the most popular horse at the track.”
Al Khali has returned 10 wins from 14 starters.
