Deputy Commander, third on this year’s California sires list by progeny earnings, will not cover any more mares this year because of a health issue. He stands at Ballena Vista Farm near Ramona, Calif.
 

A 14-year-old son of Deputy Minister, Deputy Commander has been undergoing testing and treatment at the University of California at Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. His health issue is not life-threatening.
 

A grade I winner, Deputy Commander has sired 22 stakes winners and the earners of $20 million. His progeny earnings this year are more than $570,000. His top lifetime runner, Ten Most Wanted, won the 2003 Travers Stakes (gr. I).
 

Deputy Commander, who is out of the grade I-winning Malinowski mare Anka Germania, captured the 1997 Travers. Formerly at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky, he was standing his second season at Ballena Vista.