Powis Castle Dead in Texas

Grade II winner Powis Castle died in early January from injuries received from crashing into a fence during a thunderstorm at Justin Killion's Killion Farm near Palestine, Texas. Powis Castle was found in his paddock the morning after the storm with a chest puncture and was taken to Dr Steve Hicks' nearby Cedarcrest Farm for treatment. He died two days later.

Bred by Lavin Bloodstock Services, Powis Castle initially raced for Elizabeth Lavin. He won three of his first four starts, including the Turfway Prevue Stakes, as a 2-year-old in 1993, then was sold to Berry Gordy's Vistas Stables.

Powis Castle ran unplaced in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), but went on to win four stakes, including the Malibu (gr. II) and Vernon O. Underwood Breeders' Cup (gr. III) Stakes. Powis Castle (Rare Brick -- Castle Eight, by Key to the Kingdom) was retired with seven wins from 27 races and earnings of $569,518 and entered stud at Cedarcrest Farm. He covered both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse mares during his brief stallion career.