Leading Japanese sire Deep Impact dies at 17

Deep Impact, a two-time Japanese Horse of the Year and one of the world's leading sires, was euthanized Tuesday at age 17. The son of Sunday Silence, an American dual classic winner who became a breed-shaping sire in Japan, was one of several sons of the legendary stallion ably carrying on his legacy, starting his career as Japan's leading freshman sire of 2010 before leading the general sire list each year since 2012.

Deep Impact, who stood at Shadai Stallion Station, had earlier this year experienced neck pain that was exacerbated by the physical exertion of covering mares. The condition led Shadai to suspend him from breeding for a brief rest in February, and then, in late March, to declare him sidelined for the remainder of the season when the symptoms did not subside. Deep Impact underwent surgery on his neck Sunday as part of ongoing treatment. Shadai released a statement saying that the surgery initially appeared successful, but when Deep Impact struggled to stand the following day, X-rays discovered that he had a fracture of the cervical spine, leading to his euthanasia.

Deep Impact, bred by Northern Farm, was purchased by Kaneko Makoto Holdings as a foal and was trained by Yasuo Ikee. He compiled a racing record of 14-12-1-0 with earnings of more than $12.8 million.

Deep Impact won his first seven career starts, including the 2005 Japanese Triple Crown, helping him secure the first of his two Japanese Horse of the Year titles. The colt shipped overseas to compete in the 2006 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, crossing the line third but he was subsequently disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance. He rebounded to conclude his career with additional Group 1 victories in the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen, earning another Horse of the Year title before retiring to stud.

Deep Impact is the sire of 138 stakes winners to date, with career progeny earnings of $531,434,243, with many of those foals racing primarily in Japan and benefitting from high purses. The stallion's 16 career champions are led by two-time Japanese Horse of the Year Gentildonna, who, in addition to sweeping Japan's Filly Triple Crown and two editions of the Japan Cup, traveled to Dubai to win the Sheema Classic, finishing her career with seven career Group 1 victories.

Deep Impact also is the sire of Japanese champion Vivlos, who traveled successfully, winning the Dubai Turf. The stallion's other champions include Japan Cup winner Shonan Pandora, Japanese Derby winner Kizuna, Japanese Oaks winners Mikki Queen and Sinhalite, and Danon Fantasy, Danon Platina, Danon Premium, Harp Star, Joie de Vivre, Marialite, Mikki Isle, Satona Ares, Satono Diamond, and Shonan Adela.

In addition to his champions, Deep Impact is the sire of four other Japanese Derby winners: Deep Brillante, Makahiki, Roger Barows, and Wagnerian, as well as Oaks winner Loves Only You.

Although the majority of the stallion's offspring are based in Japan, some of his other Japanese-bred but well-traveled runners have included Dubai Turf winner Real Steel; A Shin Hikari, winner of the Prix d'Ispahan and the Hong Kong Cup, both Group 1 events; and Australian and Japanese Group 1 winner Real Impact.