Deputy Commander, the 1997 Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner, was euthanized Oct. 7 at Donald and Karen Cohen’s Ballena Vista Farm near Ramona, Calif., because of a rapid decline in his overall physiological and neurological health and the decline of the quality of his equine life.
A 15-year-old son of Deputy Minister, Deputy Commander began his breeding career at Brereton C. Jones’ Airdrie Stud near Midway, Ky., before relocating to Ballena Vista in the fall of 2006.
Since early in the breeding season of 2008, Deputy Commander has undergone extensive diagnostic workups and therapeutical treatments at the veterinary schools of the University of California, Davis; Texas A&M University; and the University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center. Upon his final return to Ballena Vista Farm this summer, Deputy Commander was once again returned to his normal off-season routine and content to be at his home barn. Shortly thereafter, he entered a rapid and deteriorating state of health.
Deputy Commander is represented by 23 stakes winners, 27 stakes-placed runners, and the earners of $25.2 million. A son, Ten Most Wanted, won the 2003 Travers and a pair of grade II stakes and ran second in that year’s Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
Bred in Kentucky by Crystal Springs Farm, Robert Moore, and E.C. Allred, Deputy Commander won or placed in nine of 13 starts and earned $1,906,640. Following his nose triumph over Behrens in the Travers at Saratoga, he won the Super Derby (gr. I) at Louisiana Downs, and then ran second to Skip Away in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Hollywood Park. He raced for Horizon Stable and partners and was trained by Wally Dollase.
Farm manager of Ballena Vista Farm, Manuel Ochoa, said, “Deputy Commander was one of the classiest and most personable stallions I have had the pleasure to be associated with, he was all things a Thoroughbred should be. Deputy Commander consistently sired very successful racehorses which provided him the potential to be a top sire worldwide.”
Deputy Commander was produced from Irish-bred grade I winner Anka Germania (by Malinowski).
