Proud Accolade, a grade I winning son of Yes It's True whose first foals are 2-year-olds this year, was euthanized June 16 at Bridlewood Farm near Ocala, Fla., where he stood the past two years.
The 7-year-old horse, out of the Septieme Ciel mare Proud Ciel, suffered a severe neurological condition which necessitated his being euthanized, a release from the farm said.
"He began to show some mild signs of neurological problems in recent weeks, but his condition deteriorated rapidly early Tuesday (June 16) morning to the point that we were left with no other alternative," said Bridlewood general manager George G. Isaacs. "It’s heartbreaking. A plan was in place for upcoming surgery to try to alleviate the problems."
Proud Accolade has had five starters from 62 named 2-year-olds of racing age and notched his first winner June 6 when the colt Mr. Green won a 4 ½-furlong maiden race in his debut at Calder.
"Proud Accolade was already getting off to a strong start. He had an impressive first-out winner at Calder, and I’ve been hearing so many positive things about his offspring. He had become family and it’s been a tough day around here," Isaacs said.
"Having raced Proud Accolade and his sire Yes It’s True, my family and I are deeply saddened by his passing" said Satish Sanan, co-owner of Padua Stables. "We had been so excited by his progeny, and were looking forward to a successful future for Proud Accolade."
Proud Accolade stood his first two years at Padua’s former Florida farm, and was moved to Bridlewood in 2008. His stud fee this year was $4,000.
Proud Accolade won three of five starts at 2, including the Champagne Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont, defeating such good horses as Afleet Alex , Sun King, and Silver Train. At 3, he won one of five starts, that win coming in the grade II Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park. He earned $476,630.
