Running Stag, a globe-trotting son of Cozzene who competed in numerous top races, died at stud in South Korea in June after suffering from an unspecified illness, according to the Racing Post. He was 18.
Bred in Kentucky by Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms, Running Stag was one of three stakes winners out of French classic-placed Fruhlingstag (by Orsini II).
Running Stag initially raced for Abdullah and later for Richard J. Cohen. Competing in England, France, Germany, Dubai, and Hong Kong as well as in North America, Running Stag carved out a record of 7-11-2 from 40 starts and earnings of $1,633,227.
Running Stag experienced his greatest success in the U.S., earning $1,177,640. He won the 1999 Brooklyn Handicap (gr. II) and the Saratoga Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II), plus the 2000 Massachusetts Handicap (gr. II). He finished third in the 1998 Woodward Stakes (gr. I) to subsequent Horse of the Year Skip Away and Gentlemen. He contested that year Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), finishing seventh.
Overseas, Running Stag won the Prix Gontaut-Biron (Fr-III) and was twice stakes-placed in England. He finished second in the Hong Kong Cup (HK-I) and twice competed in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), finishing seventh both times.
Running Stag entered stud at Frank Stronach's Adena Spring South in Florida and later stood in Texas and Louisiana before South Korea.
Running Stag is represented by 12 stakes winners including Italian champion Great Uncle Ted, Canadian grade II winner Stunning Stag, and U.S. multiple grade III winner Romacaca.
