GEORGETOWN, KY — MARCH 16, 2012 — Fortunate Prospect, a top sprinter and broodmare sire, was euthanized due to complications of old age on March 15 at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY. The son of Northern Prospect out of the Lucky Debonair mare Fortunate Bid was 31.
Michael Blowen, President and founder of Old Friends, where the stallion had been pensioned since 2006, made the announcement this morning.
According to Blowen, Old Friends veterinarian Dr. Doug Byars arrived at the farm within minutes of Fortunate Prospect showing signs of distress and advised euthanasia after a thorough examination.
Bred in Florida by the M&M Bloodstock agency, Fortunate Prospect was a graded-stakes-winning sprinter with 39 starts and 13 wins, including the GR3 San Vicente Stakes and the Equus Handicap at Garden State Park. His earnings totaled $439,875.
Following his racing career, Fortunate Prospect spent nearly two decades at Michael Sherman’s Farnsworth Farms near Ocala, FL, where he became one of the truly great stallions in Florida breeding history He sired 537 winners, 28 of them stakes victors. His 632 runners – including top filly Fortunate Card and chief earner Suave Prospect – have earned nearly $38 million on the track.
The stallion also gained recognition over the years as a top broodmare sire: His daughter Successful Dancer is the dam of multiple stakes winner Successful Appeal.
In fact, daughters of Fortunate Prospect have produced several of the top Kentucky Derby contenders of the last five years, including Musket Man (2009), Z Fortune (2008), and 2012 hopeful Mark Valeski.
His daughter Flambe produced recent Santa Anita Handicap winner Ron the Greek.
“Grandpa was our oldest retiree and one of our flagship residents,” said Blowen. “He was incredibly gentle and was beloved by everyone at Old Friends and by every visitor. He was the kindest, sweetest stallion we’ve ever had, and he will be greatly missed.
“His offspring are still filling race cards all over the country,” added Blowen, “and we’re incredibly happy to have been a part of his amazing legacy.”
A recent video about the stallion was produced by WinPlaceShow.com and can be seen on YouTube. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJTHDVeWuCY.
For more information about Fortunate Prospect or any of the retirees at Old Friends contact the farm at (502) 863-1775.
About Old Friends
Old Friends is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that cares for more than 110 retired racehorses. Its Dream Chase Farm, located in Georgetown, KY, is open to tourists daily by appointment. Old Friends also has a satellite facility in Greenfield Center, New York, Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, which is also open to visitors. For more information on tours or to make a donation, contact the main farm at (502) 863-1775 or see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.
MEDIA CONTACT Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cagrisolia@yahoo.com, or Michael Blowen, (502) 863-1775, michael@oldfriendsequine.org
Fortunate Prospect is indeed one of the truly great stallions. Just so sad to know that it will come to a point where he will be advised for euthanasia. His achievements will always be remembered.