Dual Group 1 winner Gladiatorus (Silic {Fr}) has been euthanised in Ireland at the age of 19 due to complications from laminitis. The Racing Post first reported the news.
Bred by Azienda Agricola le Ferriere di Raponi Giampaolo, the bay was an $8,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling when purchased by Federico Barberini. Trained by Ricardo Menichetti for Razza Dell'Olmo at two in Italy, he made nine starts that season, winning six of them, including four at listed level. His juvenile finale was a second in the G1 Gran Criterium.
Purchased by Godolphin and later trained by both Mubarak bin Shafya and Saeed bin Suroor, he missed his sophomore season due to injury, but returned in 2009 to take both the G2 Al Fahidi Fort and G1 Dubai Duty Free at Meydan. Later in his campaign, he also added the G1 Premio Vittorio di Capua returned to Italy, and also participated in the 2009 GI Breeders' Cup Mile.
Retired to stud in Italy with a record of 17-10-2-0 and $3,742,463 in earnings, Gladiatorus eventually moved to Withyslade Farm in the UK and then Windmill View Stud in Ireland. His best runner was the multiple group-placed Presley (Ity), who won at listed level in Italy and three other stakes-placed horses.
Gladiatorus was the 11th foal out of Gmaasha (Ire) (Kris {GB}) and a half-brother to G3 Premio Regina Elena (Italian 1000 Guineas) heroine My Sweet Baby (Minardi). His second dam was G1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Al Bahathri (Blushing Groom {Fr}).
“He put size, scope and speed into his foals and he was a pure outcross for Irish NH bloodlines,” said Windmill View's John Lynch. “It is to my great regret that he did not enjoy greater books of mares as I firmly believe one or two of his progeny will go on to show just how good he could have been.
“Gladiatorus had a super temperament and was a glorious mover. And he was just a gentle giant around the farm. You could put a child up on him and he wouldn't have turned a hair. The whole family will miss him greatly. The place will not be the same without him.”
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