Taylor Made Stallions's Northern Afleet (Afleet–Nuryette, by Nureyev) was euthanized Friday at the age of 25, the farm reported Monday. According to Dr. Charles Scoggin, DVM, the stallion had experienced acute abdominal pain Friday evening and was transferred to Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. After being evaluated by specialists, it was determined Northern Afleet had severe gastrointestinal disease and was subsequently euthanized.
Northern Afleet, who was actively breeding this year, was the sire of 14 Grade I winners, including 2017 champion turf horse World Approval. Among his most successful progeny was dual Classic winner Afleet Alex, champion 3-year-old colt of 2005 and winner of the GI Preakness S. and GI Belmont S. He was also responsible for champion sprinter Amazombie and Canadian champion and Grade I winner Negligee, as well as 2015 Brazilian Horse of the Year Barolo.
“Northern Afleet was like part of the family at Taylor Made and he was truly a unique stallion within the industry,” said Ben Taylor of Taylor Made. “Not too many stallions have sired a Classic winner and a Breeders' Cup winner, not to mention numerous Grade I winners over varying surfaces and distances of ground. Northern Afleet was the definition of versatility and was always considered one of the best value stallions around. He provided every breeder the opportunity to produce a top-class racehorse, regardless of the quality of their mare.”
Additional Grade I winners sired by Northern Afleet include Denman's Call, Teaks North and Evening Jewel, while his GSW millionaire War Story remains a factor in the handicap division in 2018.
On the racetrack, Northern Afleet won the GII San Fernando Breeders' Cup S., GII San Carlos H. and GIII San Diego H. while under the care of trainer David Hofmans for owners Gregg Anderson and Ronald Waranch. He was bred in Kentucky by Hermitage Farm.
Northern Afleet entered stud in 1999 at Double Diamond Farm in Ocala and was relocated to Taylor Made after Afleet Alex captured the 2004 GI Hopeful S.
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