Elite turf runner and young California-based stallion Thorn Song, the winner of two grade I races and earnings of more than $1.1 million, has died due to complications of severe laminitis.
The 11-year-old son of Unbridled's Song—Festal, by Storm Bird, passed away at age 11 at Alamo Pintado Veterinary Clinic in Santa Ynez, Calif., Harris Farms announced.
"He was an inspiration to all involved with him," said John C. Harris, owner of Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., in a release. "Although he had serious issues, his demeanor, personality, and spirit overcame them gallantly. Although his first crops are just now getting to the races, I have very high hopes for them and he will leave a great legacy."
Bred in Kentucky by Pinnacle Racing and Taylor Made Farm, Thorn Song won eight of 29 starts, including the 2008 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (gr. IT) and 2009 Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. IT), and earned $1,132,700. Racing for Zayat Stables from 2005-2009, the big gray colt was trained by Dale Romans and Mike Mitchell, with brief periods in the barns of Tom Amoss and Jim Toner.
Ahmed Zayat bought Thorn Song for $200,000 from consignor Niall Brennan Stables, agent at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-olds in training sale.
Thorn Song sustained a career ending injury in July 2009 and spent the next year and a half recovering at Alamo Pintado Veterinary Clinic. Under the care of Dr. Doug Herthel, Dr. Erin Byrne, Dr. Ian Campbell, and the staff at Alamo Pintado, Thorn Song underwent extensive stem cell therapy to treat his hoof issues.
Thorn Song entered stud in 2011 at Harris Farms as property of the farm. He is represented by 29 current 2-year-olds in his first crop. Thorn Song has 41 yearlings; he covered 57 mares in 2013 and bred 11 mares in an abbreviated breeding season this year.
