Marquetry, sire of Breeders’ Cup winners and sprint champions Artax and Squirtle Squirt, has been pensioned from stud duty at age 23 because of declining fertility. He was standing his first year in Florida at Stonewall Farm Ocala.
Marquetry, by Conquistador Cielo out of the Vice Regent mare Regent’s Walk, was examined at the beginning of the 2010 breeding season and was determined to be extremely virile for a stallion of his age. However, it was determined that by late April his fertility had declined, and the decision was made to pension him.
“We felt it would be unfair to proceed forward with the horse with the knowledge that he may be unable to settle his mares,” said Stonewall Farm Ocala general manager Greg Kemplin. “Marquetry has always been a favorite of ours here at Stonewall. We have decided this is in the best interest of the stallion. His health is outstanding, and it is our objective to keep him in good health and enjoying the rest of his days.”
Marquetry, who began his stallion career at Ben. P. Walden Jr.’s Vinery near Midway, Ky., previous stood at Stonewall Farm Stallions near Versailles, Ky. He covered 38 mares this season.
Known as a source of speed, Marquetry has sired 35 stakes winners, 45 stakes-placed runners, and the earners of $37.3 million. His greatest success at stud came when his sons Artax, in 1999, and Squirtle, in 2001, won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Each earned an Eclipse Award as top sprinter.
Marquetry is the sire of such other graded winners as American Freedom, Max’s Pal, Mass Market, and Uanme. As a broodmare sire, Marquetry is represented by grade I winner Presious Passion.
Marquetry raced for Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms alone and in various partnerships. He captured three grade I stakes, including the 1991 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), and retired with earnings of $2,857,886.