English Channel likely to miss breeding season

Leading turf sire English Channel is likely to miss the upcoming breeding season after being “diagnosed with multiple health issues,” according to a press release issued Wednesday morning by Calumet Farm.

“This is an unfortunate blow for a stallion that was rising to the peak of his career and finally getting the respect he deserved,” the release stated. “However we, at Calumet, strive to provide the best care for all our horses and will always put the horse’s health, safety, and well-being first. We are going to be monitoring English Channel on a daily basis, but at this time, it does not look like English Channel will breed in the upcoming season.”

English Channel, a 19-year-old Smart Strike horse, earned more than $5.3 million while winning six Grade 1 races, including the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Turf to secure an Eclipse Award. 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.