California Stallion Lucayan Prince Dead

Lucayan Prince, who was an English and Irish champion sprinter, died May 4 of a ruptured aorta at Rancho San Roberto near Bakersfield, Calif. The 13-year-old son of Fast Play was owned by Mark Cosgrove.

Bred in Kentucky by Airdrie Partnership, Lucayan Prince was England's champion 3-year-old sprinter of 1996 after winning the Jersey Stakes (Eng-III) and placing in two group events. In 1997, he was Ireland's champion older sprinter.

Lucayan Prince was returned to North America in 1997. He placed in four stakes, including the Cigar Mile (gr. I) and Westchester (gr. III) Handicaps and the Finger Lakes Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. III).

Lucayan Prince, who raced the last part of his career for a partnership that included E.W. and Judy Johnston of Old English Rancho and Joe Turner, retired with six wins from 38 starts and earnings of $400,457. He stood his first several years at Old English in California before being moved to Rancho San Roberto for this year's breeding season.

Lucayan Prince, who was out of the Saratoga Six mare Now That's Funny, sired stakes winner Beezer. He covered six mares this year.