Mecke, a multiple grade I-winning stallion, died June 26, at Hidden Springs Farm near Palmyra, Ind. He was 21.
Mecke was euthanized in response to complications due to old age. According to Hidden Springs' owner Robin Berryhill, Mecke covered two mares this season.
Bred in Florida by Farnsworth Farm, Mecke was by dual grade III winner Maudlin out of the Baldski mare Beautiful Bid, making him a full brother to 1999 U.S. champion older mare Beautiful Pleasure.
Among Mecke's racing highlights were victories in the Early Times Turf Classic and Arlington Million Stakes (both gr. IT); and the Isle of Capri Super Derby (gr. I) on dirt, in which he equaled the Louisiana Downs track record for 10 furlongs in 2:00.34.
Raced by James Lewis Jr. and trained Emanuel Tortora, Mecke was named Florida's champion 3-year-old colt in 1995 and champion grass horse in 1996. Equally successful on the turf as he was on the dirt, his 12 wins were evenly split between the two surfaces. Five of his black-type scores came on turf, while four were on dirt. Mecke's career record stood at 12-7-9 from his 40 starts, for earnings of $2,470,550.
Mecke first stood at Ocala Stud Farm in Florida from 1997-2008, after which he was moved to Tennessee, where he was the leading sire consecutively from 2008-2011. He moved to Hidden Springs Farm in Indiana in 2012, where he has been among the leading sires.
As a stallion, Mecke has sired 14 stakes winners including graded stakes winners Mountain Range and Magic Mecke; Puerto Rico's 2007 champion 3-year-old filly Mecke Daughter; and millionaire Supah Blitz, who currently stands in Arizona.