BROAD BRUSH (Ack Ack), a multiple Grade 1 winner on the racetrack and an
influential stallion during the final two decades of his life, was euthanized on
May 15 at Gainesway Farm near Lexington, Kentucky. The 26-year-old stallion, who
had been pensioned since June 2004, was put down “on humanitarian grounds,”
according to a farm press release.
Produced from the stakes-winning Hay Patcher (Hoist the Flag), the
Maryland-bred Broad Brush raced for his breeder, Robert E. Meyerhoff, and was
trained throughout his career by Dickie Small. A member of the talented
three-year-old crop of 1986, which included champions Ferdinand and Snow Chief,
Broad Brush won or placed in 10 Grade 1 events. At three, Broad Brush prevailed
in the Wood Memorial Invitational (G1) and Jim Beam S. (G3) prior to third-place
finishes in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness S. (G1). He later
captured the Ohio Derby (G2), Pennsylvania Derby (G2) and Meadowlands Cup (G1),
the latter versus older horses.
Broad Brush was among the leading older males in the first half 1987. After
placing in both the San Fernando S. (G1) and Charles H. Strub S. (G1), Broad
Brush captured the Santa Anita H. (G1), defeating Ferdinand by a nose following
one the greatest stretch duels in the race’s history, thus emulating his sire,
Ack Ack, who had captured the Big ‘Cap in 1971. It was the first of four graded
victories at 1 1/4 miles that season for Broad Brush, who subsequently won the
Suburban H. (G1), John B. Campbell H. (G3) and Trenton H. (G3). He also placed
in the Whitney H. (G1) and Metropolitan H. (G1) under imposts of 127 and 128
pounds, respectively. Broad Brush retired to Gainesway with a mark of 27-14-5-5,
$2,656,793.
Tracing in male line to the great 19th century champion Domino, who
sired only 20 foals, of which only four of the colts were not gelded, Broad
Brush’s presence at stud preserved into the 21st century a prolific and
influential stallion line that was, and still remains, threatened with
extinction. Broad Brush sired 90 stakes winners and earners of more than $60 million.
He was North America’s leading sire in 1994 when his son Concern, also
campaigned by Meyerhoff and trained by Small, captured the Breeders’ Cup Classic
(G1).
Other notables sired by Broad Brush include 2002 champion three-year-old
filly Farda Amiga and Grade 1 winners Include, Pompeii, Mongoose and Schossberg.
Daughters of Broad Brush have produced juvenile filly champion Dreaming of Anna
(Rahy) and her multiple Grade 2-winning full brother Lewis Michael; Rampart S.
(G2) victress One Caroline (Unbridled’s Song); and Skylighter (Sky Mesa), who
captured the Allaire duPont Distaff S. (G2) at Pimlico the day after her
broodmare sire’s death.
“Broad Brush has left an indelible mark on the Stud Book,” Gainsway president
Antony Beck said.