Soviet Sojourn, a graded stakes winner and dam of successful sire Indian Charlie, was euthanized June 30 because of complications from the infirmities of old age. The 21-year-old mare was owned by Robert Meyerhoff and kept at his Fitzhugh Farm near Phoenix, Md.
Soviet Sojourn was a leading California 2-year-old for owner Hal Earnhardt, who also raced Indian Charlie. Both were trained by Bob Baffert.
In 1991, Soviet Sojourn won the Junior Miss Stakes (gr. III) and the Sorrento Stakes (gr. III) and placed in four graded stakes, including the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (gr. I). At 3, she was graded stakes-placed in her sole start.
Indian Charlie was Soviet Sojourn’s third foal. While racing for Earnhardt and John R. Gaines, Indian Charlie won the 1998 Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) and ran third in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), which would be his final start. Currently standing at Brereton C. Jones’ Airdire Stud near Midway, Ky., Indian Charlie has sired 49 stakes winners.
Meyerhoff purchased Soviet Sojourn for $125,000 at the 1996 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent, she was in foal to French Deputy.
Soviet Sojourn (Leo Castelli--Political Parfait, by Diplomat Way) produced 10 named foals, four of which are winners. The last of her dozen foals is an unnamed Not For Love yearling filly.
The breeder of Kentucky-bred Soviet Sojourn is Karen Yeamans.