Serena's Tune, Dam of $2.8 Million Keeneland Yearling, Dead

Serena's Tune, whose Vindication colt sold for $2.8 million the first day of the Keeneland September yearling sale, was euthanized because of acute laminitis several days after the sale. All four of her foals were bred by John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farms and Edward McGhee.

"John has always felt the horses come first and decided this was in her best interest," said farm general manager Mike Lakow.

An 8-year-old daughter of Mr. Prospector, Serena's Tune was bred by the late Robert Lewis and his wife, Beverly, and produced from the couple's Hall of Fame racemare, Serena's Song. (by Rahy). Serena's Tune was a high-priced yearling herself, selling for $1 million at the 1999 Keeneland July yearling sale. She was consigned by Denali Stud for the Lewises and bought by James Delahooke, agent for James and Alice Sapara's Winsong Farms.

Sikura bought a half-interest in Serena's Tune from the Saparas early in the filly's 3-year-old season, and acquired complete interest a short time later. Sikura retired Serena's Tune from racing after she won the Victoria Lass Handicap in March of her 4-year-old season in 2002 and bred her that year to Storm Cat. The resultant foal, Serena's Cat, commanded the co-highest price for a weanling filly of 2003, selling for $1.4 million at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Serena's Cat has won three races and earned $78,489.

Serena's Tune is represented by one other offspring at auction. Her second foal, a Storm Cat colt, sold for $3.1 million at the 2005 Keeneland September yearling sale. Named Mutawahej, he is unraced.

Serena's Tune, who was a half-sister to graded and/or group winners Grand Reward, Harlington, and Sophisticat, won seven of 14 races, including two other stakes, and earned $337,260. Her last foal is a 2006 colt by Vindication, who stands at Hill 'n' Dale.