Veteran stallion who excelled as damsire dies at 34

Turkoman, a champion on the track and influential at stud, succumbed to hind end issues in retirement at EA Ranches in California on Wednesday at the grand old age of 34.

The son of Alydar was trained by Gary Jones for Saron Stable and at three finished second in the Swaps and Travers Stakes and placed third in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Turkoman excelled at four when he won the Oaklawn Handicap, Widener Handicap, Tallahassee Handicap and Marlboro Cup.

In his second attempt at the Breeders' Cup Classic he came with his customary late run but could not reel in outsider Skywalker.

He was retired having won eight of his 22 starts and more than $2 million in prize-money.

Initially retired to Darby Dan Farm in Kentucky he later moved to California at Circle H Ranch and Mira Loma Thoroghbreds before he moved to EA Ranches in 2005. He was pensioned from stallion duty in 2008.

Turkoman sired 394 winners and 34 stakes winners from 21 crops, led by Peruvian champion Captain Garfio and Grade 1 scorers Turk Passer and Man From Wicklow.

But his most important legacy has been his broodmare daughters, who have produced horse of the year Point Given and Grade 1 winners Colonel John and Hard Spun.