Leading sire Pulpit dies at 18
Perennial leading sire Pulpit (A.P. Indy – Preach, by Mr. Prospector) died in his paddock at Claiborne Farm earlier today, according to an announcement made by farm manager Bradley Purcell. The 18-year-old stallion had shown no signs of ill health in the weeks and days prior to his death.
“We are all shocked and very sad,” said Purcell. “Pulpit has meant so much to Claiborne Farm, first as a racehorse and later as a stallion. Thankfully, we know his legacy will continue on through his sons and daughters.”
Bred and raced by Claiborne, Pulpit did not race at two due to a couple of small setbacks. However, early in his 3-year-old season, the long-striding colt jumped onto the national stage with two sensational wins at Gulfstream Park. Off those performances, he was made the favorite for the Fountain of Youth-G2 and Pulpit came from off the pace to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Second in the Florida Derby-G1, Pulpit then rolled to an impressive victory in Keeneland’s Blue Grass S.-G2. Injured while finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby-G1, Pulpit entered stud at his birthplace where he made an immediate mark as a stallion.
Pulpit’s first crop included Dubai Classic and Super Derby-G2 winner Essence of Dubai, and his next two crops yielded Grade 1 stakes winners Sky Mesa, Stroll, Purge and Tapit. Long recognized as a stallion with remarkable versatility, Pulpit sired top level 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds and older horses, outstanding colts and fillies, as well as runners that have excelled on dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces. In addition, he has become known as a “sire of sires, ” his successful sons at stud including the aforementioned Tapit.
Sire of 11 U.S. Grade I stakes winners, Pulpit has 38 Graded stakes winners, 63 stakes winners, and over 100 stakes horses to his credit. This year, Pulpit had been represented by 10 stakes winners, including stand-out 2-year-olds Power Broker, winner of the FrontRunner S.-G1, and Sign, recent winner of the Pocahontas S.-G2.
Pulpit will be buried at Claiborne Farm.
