Shadwell Farm has announced that its 23-year-old stallion Dayjur (Danzig--Gold Beauty, by Mr. Prospector) has been retired from stud duties due to the infirmities of old age.
“It is sad to take Dayjur out of our lineup,” said Rick Nichols, Shadwell’s vice president and general manager, in a statement. “He has always been our cornerstone stallion and is such a wonderful horse to be around.”
As a 3-year-old, Dayjur was voted 1990 Horse of the Year, champion 3-year-old, and champion sprinter in England and was highweighted in Europe and France. He came to the U.S. dubbed as the "fastest horse in the world" and had a memorable stretch run in the 1990 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Belmont Park, hopping over the shadows on the track and dropping a neck decision to Safely Kept.
Dayjur was a $1.65 million Keeneland yearling purchase by Shadwell’s Sheikh Hamdan. He was trained by the late Major R.W. “Dick” Hern.
During his 18 seasons at Shadwell, Dayjur sired 29 stakes winners, including two champions. His top earner was Japanese multiple group winner Shinko Splendor, who banked more than $2.6 million in a 33-start career. In all, Dayjur's progeny earned $14,670,866.
Dayjur is also the broodmare sire of grade I winners In Summation , Elusive City, Shadow Cast, and Confidential Lady, as well as millionaire Diabolical.
Dayjur will live out his days in the stallion complex at Shadwell.