R.I.P. Marquetry

[Hollywoodmike]

Steve Haskin: Marquetry, one of the favorites at Old Friends, has been euthanized at age 26. Sad loss for Michael Blowen

[Hollywoodmike]

Sad news tonight from Old Friends: 26-year-old Marquetry was euthanized today after an accident in his stall. Marquetry was a G1 winner on turf and dirt (1991 Hollywood Gold Cup, 1992 Eddie Read Handicap, and 1993 Meadowlands Cup Handicap). He sired Breeders’ Cup winners and Eclipse sprint champions Artax and Squirtle Squirt.

“We have, and will, retire many great horses,” said Blowen. “But none will ever take his place. If there is just a glimmer of good in all this it is that [assistant farm manager] Kent Ralstin discovered his injury early and, because of his quick thinking, Marquetry didn't suffer.” (all via Old Friends release)

[MaryS]

From Old Friends:

Press Release:
Marquetry, a GR1 winner and top sire, died today at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

The 26-year-old stallion was humanely euthanized after suffering serious injury in a stall accident. Veterinarians from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute attended to the injured horse, and a full necropsy report is expected in a few days.

Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, made the announcement this afternoon.

Marquetry, by 1982 Horse of the Year Conquistador Cielo out of the Vice Regent mare Regent's Walk, won 10 of 36 career starts and earned $2,857,886. He was a Grade 1 winner on both dirt and turf, registering victories in the 1991 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (G1), 1992 Eddie Read Handicap (G1), and 1993 Meadowlands Cup Handicap (G1).

He is the sire of Breeders' Cup winners and Eclipse sprint champions Artax (1999) and Squirtle Squirt (2001).

The flashy chestnut retired at age six to Ben. P. Walden Jr.'s Vinery near Midway, KY, but subsequently stood at Stonewall Farms Ocala, Florida division where he was pensioned in 2010 due to declining fertility.

"We have, and will, retire many great horses," said Blowen. "But none will ever take his place."

[PrivateSmiles]

Good night, beautiful boy.