Jewell Ridge, Dam of Champion Jewel Princess, Dead

Jewell Ridge, whose daughter Jewel Princess was voted 1996 champion older female, died at John Franks' Franks Farm Southland Division near Ocala, Fla., from apparent heart failure. The 16-year-old mare (Melyno--Say What You Mean, by Judger) was in foal to Franks' stallion Lost Soldier.

Jewell Ridge, who was bred by Jeff, Sarah, and Sheri Smith, produced nine foals. Jewel Princess, whose big win came in the 1996 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) as a 4-year-old, was champion that year for the partnership of Prince Ahmed Salman's The Thoroughbred Corp. and Richard and Martha Stephen.

Jewel Princess raced at age five and was retired with $1.9 million in earnings. She was sold in foal to Storm Cat for $4.9 million to Coolmore Stud managing partner John Magnier at the 2000 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. The price was the second-highest that year for a broodmare.

Jewell Ridge's other offspring include stakes winner Topaz Runner and stakes-placed Precious Jewell. Her yearling colt by Woodman is consigned to the Keeneland September sale. Jewell Ridge was barren to the cover of Lost Soldier for the 2001 breeding season.