WinStar stallion Paynter euthanized

Paynter, the winner of the 2012 Haskell Invitational Stakes and the sire of 2021 Horse of the Year Knicks Go, was euthanized due to lameness in mid-October, according to WinStar, where the 14-year-old was a stallion.

A top 3-year-old, Paynter was a close second in the 2012 Belmont Stakes, but following his Haskell win, he developed colitis, a life-threatening disease. He subsequently made a full recovery, followed by thousands on social media, and his return to health was named the NTRA’s “Moment of the Year.” Paynter’s recovery also led to the 2012 Vox Populi Award.

As a 4-year-old, Paynter finished second in two graded stakes before being retired to WinStar. He was trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Zayat Stables.

At stud, Paynter’s best progeny has so far been Knicks Go, who won four Grade 1 races, including the Breeders’ Cup Classic, in his 2021 Horse of the Year campaign. Knicks Go also won Grade 1 races as a 3-year-old and 2-year-old.

By Awesome Again, a Classic winner, and out of Tizso, by Cee’s Tizzy, Paynter has sired 24 stakes winner so far in his career, with $39 million in career progeny earnings. He last stood for a guaranteed fee of $5,000.

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