Group 1 hero Bahamian Bounty dies aged 26 at the National Stud

Bahamian Bounty, the Group 1 winner who became the sire of many smart sprinters, has died aged 26 at his home at the National Stud.

A son of Cadeaux Genereux, Bahamian Bounty was bred by Clarents Racing Ltd and sold as a yearling to Edward St George’s Lucayan Stud. Initially trained by David Loder, as a two-year-old he won the Group 1 Prix Morny on only his third start, defeating Zamindar.

Prior to his next start, Bahamian Bounty was purchased privately by Sheikh Mohammed and went on to win the Middle Park Stakes, earning himself the European Champion Two-Year-Old Colt title at the Cartier Awards.

He finished his racing career finishing fourth in the 1997 July Cup under his new trainer Saeed bin Suroor, before being retired to stand at the National Stud.

Bahamian Bounty's stud career spanned 18 years at stud, siring 34 stakes winners (15 Group winners and 19 Listed winners) to date, including Group 1-winning brothers Pastoral Pursuits and Goodricke.

Old stager Breton Rock has been one of Bahamian Bounty's greatest money-spinnersCredit: Edward Whitaker

In the sales ring he consistently achieved strong results; the 2014 Tattersalls December Mare Sale saw the highest price paid for one of his progeny when Group 3-winning Coral Mist achieved a price tag of 350,000gns.

His presence as a broodmare sire also continues to be felt, with his daughters having produced ten stakes winners and four Group winners to date including Al Raya, who took last year's Prix d'Arenberg.

Bahamian Bounty was retired from stud duties in 2015 due to declining fertility and enjoyed a happy retirement at the National Stud under the care of his handler of 15 years, Paddy Meehan.

Stud director Tim Lane said: "Bahamian Bounty has had a wonderful career both on the racetrack and at stud, producing Group winners year after year and achieving fantastic results in the sale ring for
breeders.

"His gentle nature has always made him a firm favourite with staff and visitors alike, even during his retirement. He has been an outstanding servant to us and we are extremely proud to have had the opportunity to stand him throughout his career. He will be sorely missed by all at the National Stud."

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