Top California sire Benchmark (Alydar–Winter's Love, by Danzig) was euthanized June 23 due to the infirmities of old age. The 26-year-old had been pensioned since 2014 and was living out his days at Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona, CA. A $475,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase by Pam and Martin Wygod, Benchmark was conditioned by David Hofmans to wins in the 1997 GII San Bernardino H., GII Del Mar Breeders' Cup H. and GII Goodwood Breeders' Cup H. He earned $636,707 from an overall record of 16-7-2-4.
Bred in Kentucky by North Central Bloodstock, Benchmark was out of a MGSP half-sister to GI Belmont S. winner Caveat (Cannonade). He was a half to the Wygods' Grade I winner Tranquility Lake (Rahy), the dam of GISWs Courageous Cat (Storm Cat) and After Market (Storm Cat), as well as Dubai Group 2 winner and $9.7-million KEESEP yearling Jalil (Storm Cat).
Benchmark began his stud career at River Edge Farm in 1999 before relocating to Ballena Vista in 2010. His progeny have earned more than $35.1 million, and include ill-fated 2013 champion sprinter Points Offthebench, Grade I-winning 2- and 3-year-old Brother Derek, and GISW sprinter and 2008 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen runner-up Idiot Proof. His sons Idiot Proof and Grazen stand in California.
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