John Oxley's Monarchos (Maria's Mon–Regal Band, by Dixieland Band), whose 1:59.97 clocking when winning the 2001 GI Kentucky Derby ranks second all time behind Secretariat's, died after undergoing emergency surgery to repair a ruptured intestine. He was 18 years old, and had stood at Nuckols Farm in Midway, KY since 2007. “He made it through the surgery and we were very hopeful for his recovery, however his age was not on his side, and he was just not strong enough to survive,” said Charles Nuckols III. Bred in Kentucky by J. D. Squires, Monarchos was acquired by Oxley for $170,000 at 2000 Fasig-Tipton Florida Sale. Turned over to conditioner John Ward, the grey also annexed the GI Florida Derby during his sophomore season. He was second in the GII Wood Memorial S. and third in the GI Belmont S., and retired in 2002 with earnings of $1,720,830 from a record of 10-4-1-3.
Monarchos began his stud career at Claiborne Farm before eventually relocating to Nuckols. His progeny have earned in excess of $19 million, and include 2009 champion female sprinter Informed Decision.
“We are very grateful to John and Debbie Oxley for entrusting their Kentucky Derby winner to our care,” added Nuckols. “He was the first horse I saw every morning and the last every night. Our longtime devoted employees are deeply saddened by this news as well as the many, many fans who visited Monarchos at our farm. He was such a great horse to be around and had the best of temperament, he will be sorely missed.”
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