Pennsylvania stallions Barbican and Digamist were euthanized in February. Eight-year-old Barbican suffered from a respiratory infection, and 26-year-old Digamist was euthanized because of complications from old age. Both stood at Ron and Barbara Rickline’s Xanthus Farms near Gettysburg.
Barbican, who entered stud at Xanthus in 2009, covered 30 mares in 2010. Sired by A.P. Indy, Barbican initially raced for his breeder, Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley, before being acquired by Tea Party Stable. Barbican placed in the 2008 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes for the latter outfit. During his career, Barbican won or placed in seven of 16 races and earned $126,255.
Barbican, produced from French group II winner Colour Chart (by Mr. Prospector), was a half brother to four stakes winners, including 2001 champion and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) winner Tempera.
Digamist, bred by Seahorse ’84, sold for $625,000 at the 1986 Keeneland July yearling sale. For owner Khalid Abdullah, Digamist won the Heinz 57 Phoenix Stakes (Ire-I) for 2-year-olds. He was retired with three wins from seven starts and earning of $247,956.
Digamist (Blushing Groom—Disconiz, by Northern Dancer) sired 19 stakes horses, including Panamanian champion Romanono and Austrian highweight Kalaf. His North American stakes winners included Second Chance, winner of the British Columbia Premier's Championship Handicap.
