Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem dies aged 21 in retirement at Old Friends

War Emblem, the winner of the 2002 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, has died at age 21, Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Centre announced on Wednesday.

The former stallion, who had been pensioned at Old Friends since 2015, was found deceased early in the morning.

The cause of death is perceived to be a fatal paddock accident, but exact details are unknown. However, a full necropsy report is pending.

In 2015, Old Friends re-repatriated War Emblem from the Yoshida family's Shadai Stallion Farm in Japan. He was the second Kentucky Derby winner returned to the Bluegrass by Old Friends from overseas. Silver Charm, the 1997 winner, arrived in 2014.

By Our Emblem, War Emblem was bred by Charles Nuckols Jr and Sons of Midway, Kentucky, and originally campaigned by Russell Reineman and trainer Frank Springer.

The near-black stallion was sold to Prince Ahmed bin Salman's Thoroughbred Corporation and transferred to Bob Baffert's barn after he captured the Illinois Derby in an impressive gate-to-wire victory.

Three weeks later, War Emblem captured the 128th running of the Kentucky Derby for his new connections.

Following an equally impressive win in the Preakness, War Emblem became a serious contender to capture the 12th Triple Crown, but he stumbled badly at the start of the Belmont Stakes and ended up beaten by longshot Sarava, who is also a retiree at Old Friends.

War Emblem went on to capture the Haskell Invitational for a third Grade 1 win that year and was named champion three-year-old colt. He was retired with seven wins from 13 starts and earnings of $3,491,000.

In the fall of 2002, War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence.

War Emblem proved a difficult but talented stallion. He sired fewer than 200 foals, but many of them were talented runners, including Japan's champion two-year-old filly Robe Tissage.

When War Emblem was retired from stud duty, the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations were coordinated by Narvick International's Emmanuel de Seroux.

"We're very grateful to Mr Yoshida and all of the fans who helped get War Emblem to Old Friends nearly five years ago," said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen.

"I know we're supposed to appreciate all of our retirees the same, but he was one of the very special ones. He was tough, narcissistic, bold and handsome. I adored him.

"I proudly count among a very meagre number of accomplishments the day he allowed me to put his halter on without biting me," Blowen added. "He trusted me. What more could I ask for? The farm will recover from his loss over time, but it'll never be the same."

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