Freshman sire Sightseeing dies of colic

Sightseeing, a Grade 2 winner by Pulpit, lost a battle with colic in early December, the same week his sire died unexpectedly. At the time of his passing, the 8-year-old stallion ranked 11th among North American-based freshman sires with progeny earnings of $500,904.

Bred in 2004 by Ogden Mills Phipps, Sightseeing was the second foal out of Grade 1-placed Resort, by Pleasant Colony. Campaigning for Phipps Stable and trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, the dark bay ran commendably with the best of his generation. Although he ultimately won just 2 of 18 starts, he placed in 10 others during three seasons and earned $508,401.

Sightseeing’s lone stakes victory came as the odds-on favorite in the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park in 2007, a willing off-the-pace performance under Edgar Prado. In addition that season, he finished second in the Wood Memorial Stakes and third in the Jim Dandy and Dwyer Stakes. He was graded stakes placed at ages 2 and 4.

Retired sound, Sightseeing entered stud in 2009 at Richland Hills in Midway, Ky., where he was well received by breeders, covering 80 mares that initial season. He was slated to stand his fifth season in 2013 at the farm for a fee of $7,500.

Through Dec. 12, Sightseeing was represented by seven juvenile winners, including Spinaway and Schuylerville Stakes winner So Many Ways. On Nov. 24, his full sister Sea Island finished second in the Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct.