02/25/2013 2:11PM

Albertine, dam of Arcangues, dies at age 32

Three Chimneys Farm

Albertine, dam of 1993 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Arcangues, died on Feb. 3 at age 32.

Albertine, the dam of 1993 Breeders Cup Classic upset winner Arcangues, died from the infirmities of old age on Feb. 3 at Three Chimneys Farm in Midway, Ky.

The 32-year-old Irish River mare was the farm’s oldest resident. She was buried in the farm’s broodmare cemetery next to fellow Breeders’ Cup producer Golden Cat, dam of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Pounced.

Bred in France by Dayton Limited, Albertine was out of the stakes-winning Wild Risk mare Almyre, and was a half-sister to French champion Ashmore and Group 3 winners Acoma and Art Bleu.

Albertine was a Group 2-placed winner in France before shipping out in 1984 to test the waters in North America for owner Daniel Wildenstein. She retired after one season of racing with two wins in seven starts for earnings of $36,878.

Her first of 17 foals arrived in 1986, with 15 eventually going on to race and ten becoming winners. Arcangues, by Sagace, was the mare’s third foal. He produced the most lucrative upset in Breeders’ Cup history at Santa Anita, winning the race at odds of 133.60-to-1 running under Wildenstein’s colors. Overall, Arcangues won six of 19 races—including three group stakes in France and the Grade 2 John Henry Handicap on turf in the U.S.—for earnings of $1,981,423.

“As a recent member of the Breeders’ Cup board, I can’t emphasize enough the magnitude of winning a Breeders’ Cup Classic,” Wildenstein said. “It is truly one of the greatest accomplishments that a Thoroughbred owner and breeder can hope to achieve. Albertine holds a special place among the best mares my grandfather ever bred, and she is honored today by a wonderful legacy.”

Other successful runners produced by Albertine include Group 3 winner Agathe and stakes winner Alamo Bay. She is also the granddam of champion Cape Verdi and multiple Group 1 winner Aquarelliste.

Albertine was retired from breeding in 2006 and remained at Three Chimneys for the rest of her life.

JoyJackson21

7 months ago

Albertine was much loved at Three Chimneys and the sadness they expressed in the statement they released upon Albertine's passing was very heartfelt. She has left a wonderful legacy behind her, including touching the lives of many she encountered. Albertine will definitely be missed. Excellent job, Albertine. You did great, my girl! Rest in peace, sweet mare.

Bruce Baudoux

7 months ago

I had the privilege of dining with Jerry Bailey a couple of times several years back and he loved to tell the story of this huge longshot. He jokes that he didn't understand a word the trainer said to him before the race and just rode the horse like any other race. He was the most surprised guy on the grounds that day. The race was destined to be won by a longshot as Bertrando, a California bred and the race time betting favourite just lacked the look of a winner that day and JB seized the opportunity. It truly was a spectacle and will go down as one for the ages.

John	7 months ago

I remember being in the infield at Santa Anita that Breeders Cup, and I think I had the Pick3 about 5-6 deep, one of those "how can I possibly lose?" situations ! Turning to my friends and saying "Who the hell was that ?".........I think Bertrando was the heavy favorite that race if Im not mistaken ! God Bless this mare, where would the bright side of racing be without storys like this?