Silver Buck, a grade I winner and sire of champion and dual classic winner Silver Charm, was euthanized Oct. 4 because of complications from the infirmities of old age. The 29-year-old son of Buckpasser resided as a pensioner at Arthur I. Appleton's Bridlewood Farm near Ocala, Fla.
Silver Buck went from being a grade I winner to being a successful Florida stallion. As a homebred for C.V. Whitney, he captured the Suburban Handicap (gr. I) in track record time of 1:59 3/5 for 1 1/4 miles and the Whitney Handicap (gr. I), a race that honors his owner's family. He retired with seven wins from 16 races and earnings of $421,906 over two years.
As a stallion, Silver Buck sired 40 stakes winners, including grade I winners Silver Charm, Silver Maiden, and Forever Silver. Silver Charm, who was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame this year, was voted 1997 champion 3-year-old male after winning the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I). He also ran second in that year's Belmont Stakes (gr. I).
Silver Buck stood at several Florida farm before ending up at Bridlewood. "He was a grand patriarch among Florida stallions and has left a strong imprint of Florida breeding through the Buckpasser line through his daughters," said Bridlewood farm manager George Isaacs in a statement.
Silver Buck, out of the Hail to Reason mare Silver True, sired the earners of $33.9 million. His other grade stakes winners included Silver Survivor, Classic Endeavor, Silver of Silver, and Bay Street Star.
In his last years, Silver Buck remained the property of a syndicate managed by Alan Briggs and Bob Cromartie. He was buried at Bridlewood.