Champion and leading turf sire English Channel dies

Eclipse Award champion turf horse and leading turf sire English Channel died Thursday morning following an illness. The son of Smart Strike was 19.

Calumet Farm reported on Wednesday that its prominent sire was likely to miss the 2022 breeding season after being “diagnosed with multiple health issues.” The exact nature of the issues were not disclosed. The stallion’s health then continued to decline.

“English Channel’s health rapidly declined in the past 24 hours, and under the care of top equine specialists at Rood and Riddle, English Channel has passed this morning,” a second release issued Thursday by Calumet stated.

“English Channel certainly went out on top, the release continued. “He was the No. 1 turf sire for the past two years and you could consistently find his progeny on the board in the top turf races across the country.

“English Channel has meant so much to Calumet throughout the years and we appreciate all the breeders who also supported him.”

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English Channel earned more than $5.3 million while winning six Grade 1 races in the colors of James Scatuorchio, including the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Turf to secure an Eclipse Award.

He retired to the Hurricane Hall of co-owner Brad Kelley for the 2008 breeding season, stood five seasons at Lane’s End, then moved to Calumet beginning with the 2015 season after Kelley assumed control of the property.

He is represented by 12 Grade 1 winners as a sire, including last year’s Eclipse champion Channel Maker to secure the leading turf sire title. He is again leading that earnings list this season, with Grade 1 winners Channel Cat, Two Emmys, and War Like Goddess this season.