Yankee Victor, The Groom is Red reported dead

Grade 1 winners Yankee Victor and The Groom is Red have died in Korea within the last month, according to a blog covering Korean racing and breeding. Both Yankee Victor and The Groom is Red were 15 and stood at stud on the Korean island of Jeju.

The blog Horse Racing in Korea reported Feb. 27 that The Groom is Red was euthanized after “sustaining multiple fractures in a paddock accident” on Jan. 27 and that Yankee Victor died of colic on Feb. 1.

The Korea Racing Authority bought Yankee Victor, by Saint Ballado, in 2005. The Groom is Red, a son of Runaway Groom, went to Korea upon his retirement from racing in 2000.

Bred by Ginger and David Mullins, The Groom is Red won the 1998 Champagne. In Korea, he sired champion Baekgwang, 2010 Ttukseom Cup winner Triple Seven, and 2011 stakes-winner Andy’s Runner.

Yankee Victor, winner of the 2000 Metropolitan Mile, has had just two crops to race in Korea so far. His progeny include 2010 Golden Shaheen winner Kinsale King, 2005 West Virginia Derby winner Real Dandy, and graded winners Northern Soldier and Now a Victor, among others.