Champion Star de Naskra Euthanized

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Star de Naskra, champion sprinter in 1979 and the sire of 43 stakes winners, was euthanized Sunday at Darby Dan Farm near Lexington due to the infirmities of old age. The 25-year-old was pensioned in March of this year.

Darby Dan was the syndicated stallion's third home. Star de Naskra (Naskra -- Candle Star, by Clandestine) was bred by Carlyle J. Lancaster in Maryland. Lancaster also raced the horse, who had 15 wins in 36 starts and earnings of $587,767, while racing through age four. Among his wins were the grade II Ak-Sar-Ben Cornhusker, Whitney Stakes, and Carter Handicap, all in 1979. Star de Naskra made all his starts for trainer Richard Ferris.

Star de Naskra entered stud at William du Pont III's Pillar Stud near Lexington. In 1992 he moved from Spendthrift Farm to Darby Dan, where he stood his first season in 1993. In 1999 Star de Naskra stood for $10,000, and covered 39 mares. According to the report of mares bred, 21 resulting foals have been registered to date. The stallion's latest stakes winner, Star Engagement, won Saturday's $40,000 Prairie Meadows Debutante Stakes.

"He was a superb racehorse and an excellent stallion," said Darby Dan's John Phillips. "We were privileged to be associated with Bill du Pont and the many fine shareholders. It was a long and good run." Star de Naskra has been buried at the farm.

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