Graded Winner Hurricane Bertie Euthanized

Richard, Bertram, and Elaine Klein's Hurricane Bertie, a multiple graded stakes-winning mare who was zeroing in on the million-dollar mark in career earnings, has been euthanized due to complications that developed from laminitis.

Richard Klein said Hurricane Bertie (Storm Boot -- Clever Bertie, by Timeless Native) had developed colitis in Florida. Surgery was successful, but the mare then developed laminitis and foundered, he said.

Hurricane Bertie, bred by Bertram Klein, won 14 of 35 career starts for earnings of $940,041. Her stakes victories included the 1998 Prioress Stakes (gr. II), and the grade III Princess Rooney and First Lady Handicaps in 2000.

Hurricane Bertie, a sprinter trained by Bernie Flint, was well-known in Kentucky, Florida, and New York. The Kleins also own the broodmare Clever Bertie, and another top sprinter in the filly Swept Away, a multiple graded stakes winner who is closing in on $500,000 in earnings.