Majesty's Prince Euthanized at 30

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Majesty’s Prince, one of the top turf runners during the first half of the 1980s, was euthanized Aug. 24 because of complications from the infirmities of old age. The 30-year-old pensioned stallion had resided at Hazel Marsh’s Marsh Thoroughbred Farm near Berryville, Va.

Bred and raced by John D. Marsh, Majesty’s Prince (His Majesty--Pied Princess, by Tom Fool) took a quick liking to grass racing. Four of his eight starts at 2 came on turf, and he won twice and was twice stakes-placed.

Trained by Joe Cantey, Majesty’s Prince holds a special place in the history of three prominent stakes. The Virginian-bred runner became the first horse to win two runnings of the Man o’ War Stakes (gr. IT, in 1983-84) and two runnings of the Sword Dancer Handicap (gr. IT, in 1983-84), both at Belmont Park. He also won the 1982 and 1984 Rothmans International Stakes (gr. IT) at Woodbine. He is one of three runners to have captured two runnings of the Man o’ War and one of four horses to have won two renewals of the Sword Dancer.

Majesty’s Prince, who competed against such greats as John Henry, All Along, and April Run, won or placed in 26 stakes and twice was weighted at 126 pounds on Daily Racing Form’s Free Handicap for male turf runners. He finished third to John Henry in the 1984 Turf Classic (gr. IT) at Belmont Park. In that year’s inaugural Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. IT) at Hollywood Park, he finished 3 1/2 lengths behind the winner, Lashkari, in a sixth-place finish.

Majesty’s Prince, who finished unplaced in the 1984 Japan Cup in his final start, retired with a dozen wins and 20 placings from 43 races. He earned $2,077,796.

Majesty’s Prince stood at several farms during his stallion career. He started at North Ridge Farm near Lexington. Majesty’s Prince is represented by 14 stakes horses and the earners of $5.7 million. His stakes winners include grade II-winning turf runner Dr Kiernan and grade II-winning sprinter Majesty’s Turn.