Nappelon, dam of 2007 champion Ginger Punch, died May 31 in Central Kentucky, according to the mare’s owner, Beth Ann Brown-Gambone. The Henrythenavigator offspring that she was carrying from a 2009 mating also died.
Ginger Punch, a homebred for Frank Stronach’s Stronach Stables, was voted champion older female of 2007 as a 4-year-old after winning the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Distaff (gr. I), the Ruffian Handicap (gr. I), and the Go for Wand Handicap (gr. I). The daughter of Awesome Again returned to race at 5, winning three grade I stakes, including another Go for Wand, and generally was viewed as the second-best older distaffer after champion Zenyatta. She retired with 20 top three finishes from 22 starts and earnings of $3,065,603.
James T. Sabiston is the breeder of Nappelon, who was foaled in Ontario, Canada. Nappelon (Bold Revenue--Sally Go Gray, by Wise Exchange) raced in claiming races early in her career but later won or placed in 11 stakes, including the 1995 Comely Stakes (gr. II) for R. Kay Stable while trained by Rene A. Araya. She retired with 17 wins from 70 starts and earnings of $631,139.
Nappelon produced eight named foals, three of which were winners..
Brown-Gambone, who owns Our Farm near Norristown, Pa., bought Nappelon for $15,000 at the 2006 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale before Ginger Punch’s first start. Consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, Nappelon was in foal to Red Bullet.
Nappelon’s 4-year-old daughter, Helena Handbasket, is a broodmare for Brown-Gambone in partnership. Helena Handbasket is in foal to Awesome Again for 2011.
“We’re trying to get a foal with a similar cross as Ginger Punch,” Brown-Gambone said.