Bertrando Suffering From Liver Disease

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Leading California stallion Bertrando, whose maternal granddaughter Silent Sighs beat champion Halfbridled in winning the March 13 Santa Anita Oaks (gr. I), is suffering from a liver disease and might be pensioned from stallion duty at the end of the season.

Fifteen-year-old Bertrando, who stands at Martin and Pam Wygod's River Edge Farm near Buellton, Calif., underwent surgery in December for the removal of gallstones at Alamo Pintado Equine Clinic near Los Olivos. The liver disease caused the gallstones, and the surgery has raised questions about Bertrando's long-term health. Bertrando underwent gallstone surgery five years ago.

A champion racehorse, Bertrando (Skywalker--Gentle Hands, by Buffalo Lark) covered 86 mares last year while standing for a $25,000 fee. This year's fee is $12,500. Bertrando has sired 25 stakes winners, including grade I winner Officer and several other graded winners.

Bertrando, champion older male in 1993, earned $3,185,610.

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