Sultry Sun, a two-time Florida Broodmare of the Year, has been euthanized because of complications from the infirmities of old age. Owned by Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Stud. She was 28.
A Live Oak homebred, Sultry Sun achieved a measure of fame when two of her sons, Sultry Song and Solar Splendor, won grade I stakes on the same card. At Belmont Park Sept. 19, 1992, Sultry Song (by Cox’s Ridge) captured the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) over subsequent champion older male Pleasant Tap, and Solar Splendor (by Majestic Light) took the Man o’ War Stakes (gr. IT). During their careers, the half-brothers each won three grade I stakes and combined for earnings of more than $3 million.
Sultry Sun twice was voted Florida Broodmare of the Year, in 1991-1992. Sultry Song was named 1992 Florida Horse of the Year and champion older male. As a stallion, he sired 2004 NetJets Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner Singletary.
Sultry Sun produced 16 foals, 10 of which were winners, including graded stakes winner Strategic Mission (by Mr. Prospector) and the dam of grade I winner Mass Media (by Touch Gold).
As a racemare, Sultry Sun won the 1984 Molly Pitcher Handicap (gr. II) and Coconut Grove Stakes. She retired with nine wins from14 races and earnings of $222,277.
Sultry Sun’s youngest foal is a 3-year-old colt by Eltish name El Sultry Sun, who is in training with John Kimmel at Gulfstream Park. He was a winner last year.
A half-sister to stakes winner Lien, Sultry Sun (Buckfinder—Sunny Dame, by Damascus) will be buried at Live Oak near Ocala, Fla., with Dispersal, Laser Light, Medieval Man, and Verbasle.
