Breeders' Cup Winner Lure Returned to Claiborne and Pensioned

Lure, a two-time Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner whose fertility problems at the Hancock family's Claiborne Farm near Paris, Ky., resulted in the farm cashing in an insurance claim, has been returned to the historic farm to live out his final days. Lure, who was foaled and raised at the historic nursery, last stood at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky., where his fertility problems continued to stalk him.

"It was unfortunate that Lure ever had to leave Claiborne Farm," said Dell Hancock. "Given the situation, we are delighted to have him back and hope he lives to a ripe old age."

Lure's fertility problems surfaced his first season when standing for $50,000 at Claiborne in 1995. Coolmore, parent company of Ashford, ended up buying Lure from the insurance company that year in hopes that the outfit could improve his fertility.

Lure wasn't totally infertile, his 119 foals testify to that, and he has been able to sire three graded or group winners among his six stakes winners. The best of the lot have been Irish champion and French group I winner Orpen from his first crop and grade I winner England's Legend from his second. England's Legend won the 2001 Beverly D. Stakes (gr. IT). Lure's youngest crop of racing age consists of 10 juveniles. His live foal percentage from 2002 matings was 36% from reports received.

Bred by Claiborne and William Haggin Perry's The Gamely Corp., Lure, who was produced from the Alydar mare Endear, won 14 of 25 starts and earned $2,515,289 racing for Claiborne. His Breeders' Cup wins came in 1992-93, with the first in course-record time of 1:32.90.