Patton, a stakes-winning son of Lord at War and a retiree at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement farm near Georgetown, Ky., was euthanized at Hagyard's Equine Medical Institute Jan. 5.
The news was announced by Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends.
The 23-year-old stallion had been at the clinic for several days undergoing diagnostic and medical care. He was beset with a variety of medical issues that severely impacted his present and future quality of life.
"We're extremely grateful to Dr. Kathy MacGillivray and to Dr. Gina Tranquillo for their kind concern for Patton's welfare," said Blowen in a statement.
Patton (Lord at War—Slew Me Down, by Seattle Slew) was trained by Sonny Hine and won six of his 18 starts, including the 1996 Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Sprint Championship Handicap (gr. II). His track earnings totaled $237,462.
Entering stud in 1997, Patton sired such horses as grade III winner Patton's Victory and millionaire Kelly's Landing.
"Patton should have been named Gandhi," added Blowen. "He was one of the kindest stallions we've ever had at Old Friends. Like so many of his predecessors, he is irreplaceable. We are just grateful that he let us take care of him in his later years."
