A number of main turf sire English Channel died Nov. 11 after the son of Smart Strike’s health rapidly declined over the past 24 hours and while he was under the care of top equine specialists at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, according to Calumet Farm, where the sire stood. He was 19.
“English Channel experienced success in his racing career, which lead to a prolific stallion career that is only matched by some of the greats,” read a statement from Calumet. “English Channel certainly went out on top. He was the number 1 turf sire for the past two years and you could consistently find his progeny on the board in the top turf races across the country.”
“English Channel has meant so much to Calumet throughout the years and we appreciate all the breeders who also supported him. English Channel will be buried in the famed Calumet cemetery alongside many other champions from the farm’s storied history. It is a well-earned and fitting final resting place for such a spectacular horse.”
English Channel was North America’s leading turf sire for 2020 with more than $4.78 million in progeny earnings and five graded stakes winners, including three-time grade 1 winner Channel Maker . The sire currently leads the North American turf sire standings with more than $6.3 million in progeny earnings. His top runner this year is grade 1 winner War Like Goddess , who won the Flower Bowl Stakes (G1T) along with three other graded stakes and most recently was third in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T).
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