Unusual Heat Dead at 27

Unusual Heat | Mesaros

Unusual Heat (Nureyev–Rossard {Den}, by Glacial {Den}), the all-time leading sire in California Progeny Earnings, has passed away due to complications from arthritis-induced laminitis. He was 27.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I have to report the passing of Unusual Heat today,” Harris Auerbach, managing partner of the Unusual Heat Syndicate, said in a release Wednesday. “He gave so much to racing, breeding and Thoroughbred Retirement here in California. He provided the impetus for Cal-breds to be at the forefront of California racing with runners that filled fields and raised the quality standard of the state-breds during his era. He was also the driving force behind the creation of CARMA, which has led to millions of dollars of funding for our retirees here in California. He will be sorely missed, especially to those of us who loved and admired him.”

By the great Nureyev out of a Swedish Horse of the Year who annexed the 1984 GI Flower Bowl H., Unusual Heat was bred in Kentucky by John T. L. Jones, Jr. and sold for $250,000 at the 1992 Barretts March Selects 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. He was a multiple stakes winner and graded stakes-placed runner in Ireland, and was later sent to Southern California, where he eventually ended his career with trainer Barry Abrams, James Auerbach, Team Green, Wolkoff, et al. He earned $142,605 on the track from a record of 16-6-2-2.

Unusual Heat had the bulk of his success at stud under the ownership and management of the Auerbach family and Abrams. He spent the bulk of his stallion career at Old English Rancho in Sanger, CA before moving to John C. Harris's Harris Farms in Coalinga, CA from 2010 until 2016 when he was pensioned.

“He's done more for California racing than anybody. His legacy will continue forever,” said Abrams.

Madeleine Auerbach added, “I will miss him sorely. He has been part of my family and life for the last 20 years. Being a part of him is a gift and a blessing that cannot be replicated. What his stature and presence has allowed me to do for retired Thoroughbreds is incalculable.” (see Unusual Heat, an Inspiration for Aftercare Efforts)

Unusual Heat was California's leading sire six times and has produced 15 champions in The Golden State. He was responsible for Acclamation, 2011 Eclipse Award winner for champion older horse. His runners have earned more than $54.3 million to date and include 43 black-type winners and 12 graded winners. Unusual Heat has been the California Conceived Leading Turf Sire every year since 2014.

He is currently represented by six sons at stud, including five in California and Unusual Suspect in Australia. He is also the broodmare sire of the likes of Grade I winners Masochistic (Sought After) and Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule) and recent graded stakes-winning 3-year-old Big Score (Mr. Big).

“He's been the perennial leading sire in California for over a decade and his influence on California breeding and racing through his sons and daughters will be prevalent for years to come. I take pride in the fact that I was able to play a small role in the early decisions that led to his dominance as the best sire to ever stand in the state.”

Visit www.unusualheat.com for more information.

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