Hard Knocker, a stakes-producing daughter of Raja Baba, died May 1 in her paddock at Jim FitzGerald’s Knockgriffin Farm near Lexington. The 26-year-old mare was owned by FitzGerald and Manganaro Stables.
Unraced Hard Knocker produced 13 foals, 11 of which were winners, including New York graded winner Chimichurri. By Elusive Quality , Chimichurri produced North America’s highest-priced yearling of 2008, an A.P Indy filly that sold for $3.1 million.
Hard Knocker also produced stakes-placed Skip Poker and Turkish group II winner Huambo.
Hard Knocker was bred in Kentucky by William S. Farish, W.T. Carter, and E.J. Hudson. Out of the Round Table mare Homespun, Hard Knocker was a half-sister to grade I winner Folk Art and to Irish and Italian champion Mashaallah. She will be buried at Knockgriffin.