Mr. Greeley euthanized at age 18

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Gainesway stallion Mr. Greeley was euthanized Tuesday morning because of worsening laminitis, the farm announced.

An 18-year-old Gone West horse, Mr. Greeley was the sire of such Grade 1 winners El Corredor and Whywhywhy, both sires now; European champion Finsceal Beo; and Nonsuch Bay and Saoirse Abu. His graded stakes-winners this year include the fillies Aruna and Laughing Lashes.

These runners are among 22 graded or group winners sired by Mr. Greeley. His progeny earnings had surpassed $50 million by his death.

As a racehorse himself, Mr. Greeley won a trio of Grade 3 races in 1995: the Lafayette, Swale, and Spectacular Bid Breeders’ Cup Stakes. He also was runner-up that year in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and three other graded stakes, earning a total of $474,452 from 5 wins in 16 starts.

Mr. Greeley developed laminitis several weeks ago and his condition recently had deteriorated, according to the farm announcement Tuesday afternoon. He covered 128 mares in 2010, and 86 percent are reported in foal, according to the farm.

Mr. Greeley will be buried at Gainesway.