Horse of the Year Saint Liam Dead

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Horse of the Year Saint Liam, who completed his first year at stud at William S. Farish's Lane's End Farm near Versailles, Ky., suffered a fractured hind leg while being led to his paddock Tuesday.

The 6-year-old son of Saint Ballado was immediately examined and treated by Dr. Peter Pryor at Lane's End and then transported to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital near Lexington, where he was examined by Dr. Larry Bramlage. Due to the extent of the left tibial fracture, no surgical repair was possible and the stallion was euthanized later in the day.

Saint Liam was voted 2005 Horse of the Year and champion older male following a victory in the Breeders' Cup Classic - Powered by Dodge (gr. I) for owners William K. Warren Jr. and his wife, Suzanne. His other three wins that year also came in grade I stakes: the Donn and Stephen Foster Handicaps and the Woodward Stakes.

Saint Liam was retired to Lane's End after the Breeders' Cup with a record of nine wins and six seconds from 20 starts and earnings of $4,456,995. He received 194 first-place votes for Horse of the Year, compared to 56 for runner-up Afleet Alex. His support for champion older male was even more overwhelming--250 first-place votes compared to five for runner-up Ghostzapper, whose campaign was limited to one race.

Bred in Kentucky by Edward P. Evans, Saint Liam was consigned by Lane's End as agent to the 2001 Saratoga yearling sale, where Mike Ryan bought him on behalf of the Warrens. Saint Liam began his racing career for trainer Anthony Reinstedler, then was transferred the end of his 3-year-old season in 2003 to Richard Dutrow Jr.

Saint Liam, who joined fellow Horses of the Year A.P. Indy and Mineshaft   at Lane's End, has 115 mares in foal. His dam, Quiet Dance (by Quiet American  ), also produced graded stakes winner Congressionalhonor.

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