Avenue of Flags, John and Betty Mabee’s homebred son of Seattle Slew, was euthanized May 14 in New Mexico following an accident in his paddock, according to James Wasson, who operates Winners Circle Farm near Las Cruces. The 22-year-old stallion moved to Winners Circle last fall for the 2010 breeding season.
The stallion has sired 500 foals from 18 crops and is represented by 20 stakes winners including last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner California Flag.
Out of the Pass the Glass mare Beautiful Glass, Avenue of Flags made only three starts for the Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm. Trained by Richard Mandella, he broke his maiden first out at Hollywood Park in May of 1990, then ran second to Deposit Ticket in the six-furlong Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (gr. II) in July. Avenue of Flags won a 6 1/2-furlong allowance test in February of his 3-year-old year in what would be his last start.
He spent his first 14 seasons at the Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm in California, then moved to New Mexico for the 2005 breeding season where he stood at Double LL Farms. He also spent time at A&A Ranch and Hourigan Horse Farm before moving to Winners Circle.
In addition to California Flag, Avenue of Flags is the sire of grade I winners Joey Franco and Notable Career, plus grade II winners Belle’s Flag, Fleet Lady, and Victor Avenue.
Avenue of Flags was buried at GW Stables Estate under the pecan trees where he used to watch over the broodmare band.
