Rockamundo, Upset Arkansas Derby, Dies

• Print

Photo: Blood-Horse Library

Rockamundo won the 1993 Arkansas Derby at 108-1 odds.

Rockamundo, who won the 1993 Arkansas Derby (gr. II) at 108-1 for owners Gary and Mary West, died Jan. 18 at age 23 because of complications from colic. He stood at Jim Plemmons' Old Frankfort Stud near Frankfort, Ky., and was owned by the Wests and Plemmons.

Rockmundo, by champion Key to the Mint, was a promising 2-year-old, finishing second in the Arch Ward Breeders' Cup Stakes at Arlington Park and the Juvenile Breeders' Cup Stakes. He ran third to subsequent champion juvenile male Gilded Time in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr. II).

Placed on the Triple Crown trail, Rockamundo lost the Louisiana Derby (gr. II) and the Remington Park Derby by wide margins before capturing the Arkansas Derby over Kissin Kris and paying $218. Rockamundo finished 17th in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), won by Sea Hero, and seventh in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I), captured by Prairie Bayou.

Rockamundo, who raced at 4, was retired with a record of 2-2-1 from 17 starts and earnings of $383,625. His stallion career proved disappointing. He sired 69 foals, of which 22 were winners.

Bred in Kentucky by David Garvin, Rockamundo was produced from the Nijinsky II mare Crystal Cup, who died in 2012 at age 31. Rockamundo was a half brother to English champion Iktamal and French group II winner First Magnitude.

Rockamundo was buried at Old Frankfort next to his paddock mate, Lil E. Tee, the 1992 Kentucky Derby winner.
 

• Print