Old Trieste, who was produced from grade I winner Lovlier Linda (by Vigors), won six of 14 starts. His 2003 fee was to be $25,000. He will be buried at Biszantz' Cobra Farm near Lexington.
Old Trieste, a graded stakes winner who earned $847,944, was euthanized Jan. 2 due to acute laminitis. The 8-year-old son of A.P. Indy stood at Jonabell Farm, now Darley at Jonabell, for each of his three years at stud.Old Trieste, who was raced by Gary Biszantz, burst into national prominence while preparing for the 1998 Kentucky Derby (gr. I). He recorded what is believed to be the fastest pre-Derby work in history at Churchill Downs for six furlongs (1:09), but lost all chance at the race's start when he broke poorly and nearly fell. Later that year, he won the Swaps Stakes (gr. II) by a dozen lengths over Grand Slam, plus the Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) and Affirmed Handicap (gr. III). The following year, he took the Californian Stakes (gr. II)."I feel very fortunate to have raced a horse with such brilliance and class." Biszantz said. "We are blessed to have three crops to look forward to, and I anticipate seeing several of his youngsters display the characteristics and talent that made Old Trieste such a special racehorse."