Silver Train , a two-time grade I winner including the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I), died from a colic attack Dec. 29 while shuttling to the United States from Brazil, Northview Stallion Station reported Dec. 30.
Silver Train moved to Northview PA near Peach Bottom, Pa., in 2011, and had just completed his second season of Southern Hemisphere stud duty at Siquiera & Mercadante in Brazil. He went to Pennsylvania after being purchased by HnR Horseracing.
Silver Train, an 11-year-old horse by Old Trieste out of the Cormorant mare Ridden in Thestars, stood at Vinery in Kentucky before his move to Pennsylvania. He also won the Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) and the Jerome Handicap and Tom Fool Stakes (both gr. II) for earnings of almost $1.6 million.
The stallion’s progeny earnings topped $3 million in each of the last three years. He sired champions in Italy, Panama, and Scandinavia, Northview said.
“Silver Train was all class, the consummate professional, and he will be sorely missed,” majority shareholder Hank Nothhaft said in a Northview release. “Given his proclivity for producing winners, we expected big things from Silver Train for years to come. Given our expansive plans for him in 2014, his sudden passing was a real shock.”
“This is truly a solemn day with the unexpected passing of such a promising young sire,” said Carl McEntee, agent for HnR Horseracing. “It is with a heavy heart we look toward the new year.”