Castle Gandolfo Dies in Chile

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Castle Gandolfo, who shuttled to Haras Mocito Guapo in Chile, died Sept. 5 in a breeding shed accident. The stakes-winning son of Gone West entered stud this year at John T. L. Jones Jr's Walmac International near Lexington and covered some 75 mares.

Bred in Kentucky by Orpendale, Castle Gandolfo initially raced for Sue Magnier, whose husband, John Magnier, is the managing partner of Irish-based Coolmore Stud. As 2-year-old, Castle Gandolfo won the Juddmonte Beresford Stakes (Ire-III) and was a group I runner-up in both England and France. Sent in pursuit of the 2002 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), he ran unplaced in the classic and was returned to Europe. After placing in an Irish stakes that September, he was acquired by John Paul Reddam and returned to the U.S. to race.

Castle Gandolfo retired to stud earlier this year with three wins from 14 starts and earnings of $214,408. His dam, Golden Oriole (by Northern Dancer), is a full sister to English and Irish champions El Gran Senor and Try My Best.

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