Aged 31, Seeking the Gold was euthanized this week due to the infirmities of old age.
Foaled at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky in 1985, Seeking the Gold was trained
throughout his career by Shug McGaughey for owner-breeder Ogden Phipps, winning
eight times from 15 starts and retiring with over $2.3million in prize-money.He returned to Claiborne Farm in 1990 to begin his stud career and was Champion US First Crop Sire of 1993.
Seeking the Gold sired over 90 stakes-winners including the imported AJC Doncaster Handicap winner Secret Savings (USA) for Emirates Park.
In November 2008, Seeking the Gold was pensioned from stallion duty at the age of 24 and during his career stood for stud fees as high as $250,000.
His best son Dubai Millennium died after just one year at stud, but that lone crop produced Dubawi, a stallion who will keep his memory alive for many years to come.
"He will be sorely missed," said Claiborne representative Bernie Sams. "There's no doubt he will go down as one of the all-time greats. He was a valued member of the Claiborne Farm family and an important part of this farm's storied 100-plus history."
Daisy Phipps Pulito, granddaughter of the late Ogden Phipps, said: "We're saddened by the loss of this magnificent racehorse and stallion. He meant so much to my grandfather and the Phipps Stable breeding programme."
