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Sunday Silence

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Sunday Silence
Sunday Silence at Shadai Stallion Station, Hayakita(Abira) Hokkaido Japan.
Sunday Silence at Shadai Stallion Station Hayakita(Abira), Hokkaido, Japan.
SireHalo
GrandsireHail To Reason
DamWishing Well
DamsireUnderstanding
SexStallion
FoaledMarch 25, 1986
Paris, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedAugust 19, 2002(2002-08-19) (aged 16)
Abira, Hokkaido, Japan
CountryUnited States
ColorBlack/Brown
BreederOak Cliff Thoroughbreds, Ltd.
OwnerH-G-W Partners
Racing colors: Gray, yellow sash, sleeves and cap
TrainerCharlie Whittingham
Record14: 9–5–0
Earnings$4,968,554[1]
Major wins
Santa Anita Derby (1989)
San Felipe Stakes (1989)
Super Derby (1989)
Californian Stakes (1990)
American Triple Crown wins:
Kentucky Derby (1989)
Preakness Stakes (1989)
Breeders' Cup wins:
Breeders' Cup Classic (1989)
Awards
U.S. Champion 3-Year-Old Colt (1989)
United States Horse of the Year (1989)
Leading broodmare sire in North America
(2016, 2019,2020)
Honors
United States Racing Hall of Fame (1996)
#31 – Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century
Sunday Silence Stakes in Louisiana Downs
Leading sire in Japan 1995 through 2007
Last updated on January 12, 2008

Sunday Silence (March 25, 1986 – August 19, 2002) was an American-bred Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In 1989, he won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes but failed to complete the Triple Crown when he was defeated in the Belmont Stakes. Nevertheless, he won the Breeders' Cup Classic and was voted American Champion Three-Year-Old Colt and American Horse of the Year that same year. Sunday Silence's racing career was marked by his rivalry with Easy Goer, whom he had a three to one edge over in their head-to-head races.[2] Easy Goer, the 1988 American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt finished second to Sunday Silence in the Kentucky Derby the Preakness, and the Breeders' Cup Classic. However, Easy Goer prevailed by eight lengths in the Belmont, denying Sunday Silence the Triple Crown. Both horses were later voted into the American Hall of Fame.

After his retirement from racing, Sunday Silence attracted little support by breeders in the United States and was exported to Japan. He was the leading sire in Japan on thirteen occasions, surpassing the previous record of ten titles by Northern Taste. Although the relatively insular nature of Japanese racing at the time meant that Sunday Silence's success was initially restricted to his home territory, his descendants have in recent years won major races in Australia, France, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, the United States and Dubai.[3] Blood-Horse pedigree expert Anne Peters speculated, "Had Sunday Silence retired in Kentucky, it's almost certain he would have tanked commercially and been exported in disgrace, but he found his perfect gene pool and thrived instead."[4] He would later be the leading broodmare sire in North America in 2016.

In the Blood-Horse magazine List of the Top 100 U.S. Racehorses of the 20th Century, Sunday Silence was ranked #31.

Early years

[edit]

Sunday Silence was foaled on March 25, 1986, at Stone Farm in Paris, Kentucky.[5] He was sired by Halo out of Wishing Well by Understanding. Though he was registered as a dark bay/brown, he was in fact a true black.

He was bred by Oak Cliff Thoroughbreds, Ltd. and escaped death twice: first as a weanling when he nearly died from a freak virus;[6] and later at age two, traveling in a van when the driver experienced a heart attack and the van flipped over.[7] He was passed over twice at the sales ring as a yearling before he was sold in California for $50,000 as a two-year-old in training. Arthur B. Hancock III bought him as a "buy-back" (he had bred him), hoping to ship him to Kentucky. However, the van accident kept Sunday Silence in California. Hall of Fame trainer Charlie Whittingham bought a half share of the colt and then sold half of that to Ernest Gaillard. (Ownership designate: H-G-W Partners.)[8]

Ownership

[edit]

H-G-W Partners (Hancock-Gaillard-Whittingham) represents the names of the three partners who owned the horse.The three partners were:

  1. Arthur B. Hancock III (b. 1943) - 50% partner, who is a horse breeder and the owner of Stone Farm near Paris, Kentucky.
  2. Charlie Whittingham (1913–1999) - 25% partner, who was the horse's Hall of Fame trainer;
  3. Ernest Gaillard (1913–2004) - 25% partner, who was a 1938 graduate of the University of Louisville and active in the organizing of the Kentucky Derby, and a medical doctor with the Eighth Army Air Forces during World War II.

Racing record

[edit]

1988: two-year-old season

[edit]

Although Sunday Silence showed ability, he didn't make it to the races until late in his two-year-old season, finishing second in a maiden race, then winning a maiden special weight race and finishing second in an allowance race from three starts.

1989: three-year-old season

[edit]

Sunday Silence began his three-year-old year by winning an allowance race at Santa Anita by four lengths which opened the door of Kentucky Derby potential. His next race was a victory in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes, and then he won the G1 Santa Anita Derby by eleven lengths to qualify for a start in the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby

[edit]

In what became an iconic rivalry, Sunday Silence and Easy Goer would only meet four times, the first of which was the 1989 Kentucky Derby on May 6. In the buildup to the 1989 Triple Crown, the rivalry developed between the West Coast-based Sunday Silence and the East Coast-based Easy Goer, winner of the 1988 Eclipse Award for Champion Two Year Old Colt. Easy Goer was coming in off of a victory in the Wood Memorial and a record breaking performance in the Gotham Stakes. Unknown to the public however, Easy Goer had a small crack in his left front.[9] The favorite was Easy Goer, with Sunday Silence as the 3:1 second choice.

Kentucky Derby day was a cold one at 44°, the coldest in 72 years, with rain creating a slow muddy track.[10] After stalking the pace and making his move around the turn, Sunday Silence and jockey Pat Valenzuela defeated Easy Goer by 2+1⁄2 lengths, in the slowest time (2:05) for a Kentucky Derby since 1958.[11] Sunday Silence ducked in and out sharply throughout the stretch run, with his jockey switching from left and right handed urging trying to keep him running straight. Even with ducking in and out, the champion Easy Goer was unable to make up ground. Daily Racing Form writer Dan Illman stated after Sunday Silence's victory that "the best horse won that afternoon."[12] Daily Racing Form chairman Steve Crist stated his opinion that "Easy Goer had a legitimate explanation for his defeat, as he didn't handle the muddy Churchill track."[13]

Preakness Stakes

[edit]

While both horses were preparing for the 1+3⁄16-mile Preakness two weeks after the Derby, each had minor ailments. Sunday Silence came up lame after a gallop seven days before the race. Trainer Whittingham contacted well-known Kentucky veterinarian Alex Harthill, who diagnosed a bruise under the sole, a common injury that "wasn't a serious problem but it had happened at a serious time." Harthill had Sunday Silence step on a clean sheet of white paper which was subsequently faxed to Ric Redden of Lexington, Kentucky, and from which Redden prepared a set of aluminum bar shoes. Redden and his assistant then flew via rented jet to Baltimore with the bar shoes and X-ray machine to confirm that no fracture was involved. After the shoes were fitted, Sunday Silence resumed training four days before the race. After his connections saw the colt's "remarkably" rapid recovery from the injury, the bar shoes were removed the day before the race.[12][14] With all the uncertainty over Sunday Silence's soundness, he would go on to be second choice once again to Easy Goer at 2:1.

Meanwhile, unknown to the public at his rival's stable, throughout Preakness week (as late as Friday, the day before the race), Easy Goer's front feet were being soaked in tubs of Epsom salts due to small scratches or cracks on both heels. An ultrasound was also performed on his ankles and knees. Some wondered if these ailments could compromise the chances of both horses.[15] Easy Goer had "problematic, puffy" ankles that he dealt with throughout his career.

The 1989 Preakness Stakes on May 20 is one that continues to live in racing lore as one of the best races ever run, and one of the most iconic stretch duels. It was added into Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments, placing at #70. Easy Goer broke slow, and Sunday Silence was bumped at the start, then the pair settled into their sports. After three-quarters of a mile, Day guided Easy Goer to the front where Sunday Silence dug in and went with him. The legendary stretch duel was fought the entire length of the stretch, with neither Sunday Silence or Easy Goer giving an inch. Sunday Silence prevailed in the photo finish, with a finishing time of 1:53 4/5, the third fastest Preakness at the time.[16][17]

Some Easy Goer loyalists in the media maintained their horse's superiority, attributing the loss to the fact that Easy Goer had leapt in the air at the start and his jockey, Pat Day, reined Easy Goer's head to the right when he had a short lead in the home stretch. Day, who lodged a failed objection against Valenzuela, has called his ride "a mistake."[18]

Belmont Stakes

[edit]

In 1989, New York was the only state in America that banned all race-day drugs and medications, including the now-commonly used medication Lasix.[19][20][21] In the three weeks between the Preakness and Belmont, Whittingham was angered that the controversial veterinarian Alex Harthill, who treated Sunday Silence earlier for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, was not licensed in New York and prohibited from practicing.[22][23] The day before the 1+1⁄2-mile Belmont Stakes, Sunday Silence, with exercise rider Pam Mabes up, was spooked and kicked trainer Whittingham in the temple, a glancing blow that came close to killing the trainer.[24]

Belmont Park received several inches of rain in the days leading up to the race,[25] but by race day on June 10 the track was rated fast with Sunday Silence this time the 4:5 post time favorite, and the entry of Easy Goer and Awe Inspiring at 8:5.[26] While initially planning on going to the lead, Sunday Silence settled into second behind the longshot French colt Le Voyageur. Easy Goer was never too far behind either. When Sunday Silence made his move on the turn, Easy Goer made a faster one and swept to the front. Easy Goer defeated Sunday Silence by eight lengths in the time of 2:26, producing the second-fastest Belmont Stakes in history, behind only Secretariat, and denied Sunday Silence the Triple Crown, and thus a $5M bonus.[27][28][29] However, by virtue of his two Classic wins and his runner-up performance, Sunday Silence was awarded the third $1,000,000 Visa Triple Crown Bonus for best three-year-old in the series.

Breeders' Cup Classic

[edit]

After the Belmont Stakes, the pair went their separate ways with Sunday Silence returning to California where he finished second to eventual Breeders' Cup Turf winner Prized in the Grade II 1+1⁄4-mile Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park on July 23.[30] From there he went to Louisiana Downs where he won the Grade I Super Derby on September 24, giving him six weeks' rest going into the Breeder's Cup Classic. Over in New York, Easy Goer won 4 successive Grade I stakes after the Belmont... the Whitney Handicap, Travers Stakes, Woodward Stakes, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup, giving him 27 days' rest going into the Classic.

This set up one final face-off between the rivals at the season-ending $3 million 1+1⁄4-mile Breeders' Cup Classic at Gulfstream Park, on November 4. The contest was expected to decide the winner of the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.[31] Sunday Silence's jockey Pat Valenzuela had earlier been suspended for cocaine use and was replaced by Hall of Fame rider Chris McCarron. Sunday Silence was the post time 2:1 second choice behind Easy Goer at 1:2.

The race started as usual for Sunday Silence who settled five lengths behind the leader, but Easy Goer broke slow and was 11 lengths from the front for much of the race. On the backstretch, Sunday Silence inched closer to the lead with Easy Goer noticeably and suddenly getting into stride with three quarters of a mile to go, with track announcer Tom Durkin commenting during the race "he is five lengths behind Sunday Silence and now he's beginning to roll!" and near the half mile pole he continued, "Sunday Silence bracing for the oncoming power of Easy Goer, whose right at his neck!" On the turn however, Sunday Silence continued to gain on the leader, leaving Easy Goer behind. Sunday Silence took control with about an eighth of a mile to go, with Easy Goer three lengths behind. Jockey Chris McCarron continued with a hand ride, and was able to withstand a strong late charge by Easy Goer to win the Classic by a neck. The victory solidified a 3:1 advantage in Sunday Silence's favor.[32]

At this point, Sunday Silence had earned what was then a single-season record $4.59 million[33][34][35][36][37] and won seven times in nine starts for the 1989 campaign, earning him Eclipse Award for Outstanding 3-Year-Old Male Horse and Horse of the Year honors. For the latter award, Sunday Silence received 223 of 242 votes, making him the most decisive winner since John Henry eight years earlier.[38] Even with the championship honors, debate continues decades after their careers on who was the better horse.

1990: four-year-old season

[edit]

At the age of four, Sunday Silence won the Californian and placed second in the Hollywood Gold Cup behind Criminal Type by a head, while giving away 5 pounds.[39] He suffered an injured ligament that eventually led to his retirement.[40] Out of 14 career races, he won nine and placed second in the other five.

Accomplishments

[edit]

In 1996, Sunday Silence was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.[41] He was ranked #31 in the Bloodhorse Top 100 Horses of the 20th Century, while Easy Goer ranked #34. Blood-Horse stated that its rankings "will generate debate for years to come."[42] The electoral friction was ultimately reflected in the introduction to the Blood-Horse's "Top 100 Racehorses" book, which said, "For all the work and dreaming that went into it... one approaches the list... with a nagging sense of its folly as a rational exercise and of the maddening arbitrariness of its outcome. However, one views this list of horses, whether in peace and contentment—or shock and dismay—all such judgments, of course, are entirely subjective, a mixture of whim, wisdom, and whatever prejudices howl through the back of the mind."[43]

Since the Breeders’ Cup Classic was instituted in 1984, Alysheba and Sunday Silence were the only two horses to win three legs of a four-race sequence that was defined in 2015 as the Grand Slam of Thoroughbred racing: The Triple Crown races, plus the Breeders' Cup Classic, and Sunday Silence was the first horse to win three legs of the modern Grand Slam in the same year. As the Breeders' Cup began after the 1978 Triple Crown win of Affirmed, the potential for a sweep of all four races only became possible in 1984, and did not occur until 2015 when American Pharoah won the Triple Crown and eventually the Grand Slam.[44]

Stud record

[edit]
Agnes Tachyon

Sunday Silence was sold to Japanese breeder Zenya Yoshida,[45] to stand at his Shadai Stallion Station in Shiraoi, Hokkaido. Yoshida had acquired a 25% interest in Sunday Silence early in his 4-year-old season and bought out the other partners for $7.5 million in 1991.[46]

Sunday Silence flourished in Japan and became their leading sire from 1995 through 2008,[45] taking over from Northern Taste (ten-time leading sire in Japan). He was particularly successful with daughters from the Northern Dancer sire line.[46] However, breeders were generally not successful expanding his influence outside of Japan.[45] His progeny have won many races in Japan, including 20 out of 22 JRA Grade 1 flat races (the only exceptions are the NHK Mile Cup and the Japan Cup Dirt). His progeny also have won International Grade 1 race including the Hong Kong Vase, Hong Kong Mile and Dubai Sheema Classic.

Descendants of Sunday Silence have broken many earnings records, in part because he was active at the start of the "big crop" era (siring about 2000 foals) and also because the average purses in Japan are significantly higher than the rest of the world. Conservative estimates on the earnings of Sunday Silence descendants place the total near JPY 80 billion (approximately $730 million according to Equibase).[47]

He was also the leading broodmare sire in North America in 2016 with Japanese racehorse Lani's entry in the Kentucky Derby that year with a Grade II win in Dubai, followed by off the board finishes in the Derby and Preakness, and a third-place finish in the Belmont.[48] Once qualified to appear on the broodmare sire list, Sunday Silence then got enhancements from his Japanese runners, where there is a substantial disproportion between North American purses and the significantly higher purses in Japan.

Major winners

[edit]

c = colt, f = filly

Grade one winners
Foaled Name Sex Major Wins
1992 Dance Partner f Yūshun Himba, Queen Elizabeth II Cup
1992 Fuji Kiseki c Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes
1992 Genuine c Satsuki Shō, Mile Championship
1992 Marvelous Sunday c Takarazuka Kinen
1992 Tayasu Tsuyoshi c Tokyo Yūshun
1993 Bubble Gum Fellow c Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes, Tennō Shō (Autumn)
1993 Dance in the Dark c Kikuka Shō
1993 Ishino Sunday c Satsuki Shō
1994 Silence Suzuka c Takarazuka Kinen
1994 Stay Gold c Hong Kong Vase, Dubai Sheema Classic
1995 Special Week c Tokyo Yūshun, Japan Cup, Tennō Shō (Spring and Autumn)
1996 Admire Vega c Tokyo Yūshun
1996 Stinger f Hanshin Sansai Himba Stakes
1996 To the Victory f Queen Elizabeth II Cup
1997 Agnes Flight c Tokyo Yūshun
1997 Air Shakur c Satsuki Shō, Kikuka Shō
1997 Cheers Grace f Oka Shō
1998 Agnes Tachyon c Satsuki Shō
1998 Believe f Sprinters Stakes, Takamatsunomiya Kinen
1998 Manhattan Cafe c Kikuka Shō, Arima Kinen, Tennō Shō (Spring)
1998 Mejiro Bailey c Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes
1999 Admire Max c Takamatsunomiya Kinen
1999 Durandal c Mile Championship, Sprinters Stakes
1999 Gold Allure c February Stakes
1999 Sunday Joy f Australian Oaks
2000 Admire Groove f Queen Elizabeth II Cup (twice)
2000 Heavenly Romance f Tennō Shō (Autumn)
2000 Neo Universe c Satsuki Shō, Tokyo Yūshun
2000 Orewa Matteruze c Takamatsunomiya Kinen
2000 Peace of World f Hanshin Juvenile Fillies
2000 Still in Love f Japanese Triple Tiara (Oka Shō, Yūshun Himba, Shūka Shō)
2000 Zenno Rob Roy c Japan Cup, Arima Kinen, Tennō Shō (Autumn)
2001 Daiwa el Cielo f Yūshun Himba
2001 Daiwa Major c Mile Championship, Yasuda Kinen, Satsuki Shō, Tennō Shō
2001 Dance in the Mood f Oka Shō
2001 Hat Trick c Mile Championship, Hong Kong Mile
2001 Heart's Cry c Dubai Sheema Classic, Arima Kinen
2001 Suzuka Mambo c Tennō Shō (Spring)
2002 Air Messiah f Shūka Shō
2002 Daring Heart f Queen Stakes
2002 Deep Impact c Japanese Triple Crown (Satsuki Shō, Tokyo Yūshun, Kikuka Shō), Japan Cup, Arima Kinen, Takarazuka Kinen, Tennō Shō (Spring)
2002 Shonan Peintre f Hanshin Juvenile Fillies
2002 Suzuka Phoenix c Takamatsunomiya Kinen
2003 Fusaichi Pandora f Queen Elizabeth II Cup
2003 Matsurida Gogh c Arima Kinen
Other winners
Foaled Name Sex Major Wins
1992 Bright Sunday m 1995 Sapphire Stakes
1992 Prime Stage m 1994 Sapporo Sansai Stakes
1992 Magic Kiss m 1996 TV Nishinppon Corp.Sho Kitakyushu Kinen
1992 Daitaku Surgeon c 1996 Osaka Jo Stakes
1992 Silent Happiness m 1995 Sankei Sports Sho Yonsai Himba Tokubetsu
1992 Sunday Well c 1995 R.F.Radio Nippon SHO St.Lite Kinen
1992 Summer Suspicion c 1995 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho
1992 Silent Happiness m 1995 Sankei Sports Sho Yonsai Himba Tokubetsu
1992 King of Daiya c 1997 Nakayama Kinen
1993 Rosen Kavalier c 1997 American Jockey Club Cup
1993 Royal Touch c 1996 Kisaragi Sho
1993 Silent Hunter c 1999 Sankei Osaka Hai
1993 Sakura Keizan O c '96 Choshi Tokubetsu
1993 She's Grace m 1995 Fuyo Stakes
1993 Sericite Dandy c 1997 Tuf Hai
1993 Hornet Pierce m 1998 Sumidagawa Tokubetsu
1994 Big Sunday c 1998 Yomiuri Milers Cup
1994 Waltz Dancer m 1999 Ichikawa Stakes
1994 Air Wings m 1997 Sankei Sports Hai Hanshin Himba Tokubetsu
1994 Orange Peel m 1997 Sankei Sports Sho Yonsai Himba Tokubetsu
1995 Meisho Odo c 2000 Sankei Osaka Hai
1995 Divine Light c 2000 TV Yamanashi Hai
1995 Jo Big Bang c 1999 Hakodate Kinen
1995 Tayasu Again c 1998 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho
1995 Egao o Misete m 1998 Sankeisports Hai Hanshin Himba Tokubetsu
1996 Chokai Ryoga c 2003 May Stakes
1996 T.M.Sunday c 2003 Silk Road Stakes
1996 Rosado c 2002 Sankei Sho All Comers
1996 Maruka Candy m 2001 Fuchu Himba Stakes
1996 Fusaichi Airedale m 1999 Hochi Hai Yonsai Himba Tokubetsu
1996 Black Tuxedo c 1999 R.F.Radio Nippon Sho St.Lite Kinen
1996 Painted Black c 1999 Sports Nippon Sho Stayers Stakes
1996 Thrilling Sunday c 2001 Narutaki Tokubetsu
1996 Eishin Rudens m 2001 Laurel R.C.Sho Nakayama Himba Stakes
1996 Kiss Me Tender c 2003 Dotombori Stakes
1996 Saikyo Sunday c 1999 Chunichi Sports Sho Yonsai Stakes
1996 Silent Cruise c 2002 AM Kobe Sho Chushun Tokubetsu
1997 Yamanin Respect c 2002 Hakodate Kinen
1997 Yukino Sun Royal c 2005 Nikkei Sho
1997 Future Sunday m 2000 Daily Hai Queen Cup
1997 Meisho Dominica g 2003 Fukushima Kinen
1997 Nihon Pillow Neil c 2002 Murasaki Sho
1997 New England c 2001 STV Hai
1997 Bailarina m 2000 Sweetpea Stakes
1997 Fusaichi Zenon c 2000 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho
1997 Tokai Oza c 2001 Copa Republica Argentina
1997 Admire Boss c 2000 R.F.Radio Nippon Sho St.Lite Kinen
1997 Apatheia c 2003 Hayama Tokubetsu
1997 Win Marvelous c 2003 Kyoto High Jump
1997 Ammirare c 2001 Keiyaki Stakes
1998 Royal Cancer c 2003 NST Open
1998 Millennium Bio c 2002 Yomiuri Milers Cup
1998 Miscast c 2001 Principal Stakes
1998 Trust Fire c 2001 Radio Tampa Sho
1998 Noblesse Oblige m 2003 Emerald Stakes
1998 Happy Path m 2003 Kyoto Himba Stakes
1998 Hallelujah Sunday c Fukushima TV Open
1998 Dark Wizard g 2002 Inari Tokubetsu
1998 Diamond Biko m 2002 Sankeisports Hai Hanshin Himba Stakes
1998 Daiwa Rogue m 2000 Niigata Sansai Stakes
1998 Cheers Brightly c 2003 Keihan Hai
1998 Sunrise Pegasus c 2005 Mainichi Okan
1998 Seiko Sunday c 2002 Spica Stakes
1998 Coin Toss c 2002 Shirafuji Stakes
1998 Admire Rich m 2005 Miyabi Stakes
1998 Isao Heat c 2004 Kanetsu Stakes
1998 Win Radius c 2004 Keio Hai Spring Cup
1998 Agnes Gold c 2001 Fuji TV Sho Spring Stakes
1999 Monopole c 2006 Tomoe Sho
1999 Monopolizer c 2002 Port Island Stakes
1999 Yamanin Seraphim c 2002 Keisei Hai
1999 Pop Jewel m 2004 Tuf Hai
1999 Tosen Humming c 2004 Abukuma Tokubetsu
1999 Hustler c 2004 Banshun Stakes
1999 Bash Earth g 2004 Hakuryo Memorial
1999 Tiger Cafe c 2007 April Stakes
1999 Daiwa Raiders c 2005 Tanabata Sho
1999 Cheers Stark c 2002 Kyodo News Service Hai
1999 Chapel Concert m 2004 Yonago Stakes
1999 Chokai Flight c 2006 Oguninuma Tokubetsu
1999 Shinin' Ruby m 2002 Daily Hai Queen Cup
1999 Win Duel c 2004 Onuma Styakes
1999 Emerald Isle m 2004 Shiranui Tokubetsu
1999 Er Nova m 2004 HTB Hai
2000 Vita Rosa m 2003 R.F.Radio Nippon Sho St.Lite Kinen
2000 Reminiscence m 2005 Tsukiyoka Tokubetsu
2000 Black Cafe c 2006 Uzuki Stakes
2000 Tokai Elite c 2006 Orion Stakes
2000 Dancing On c 2004 Mr. C.B. Memorial
2000 Cheers Message m 2005 Kyoto Himba Stakes
2000 Cheerful Smile m 2006 Keenland Cup
2000 Chunyi m 2003 Daily Hai Stakes
2000 T M Tanrai c 2007 Tajima Stakes
2000 Super Chance c 2006 Umeda Stakes
2000 Starry Heaven m 2004 Utopia Stakes
2000 Spicule c 2004 Betelguise Stakes
2000 Silent Deal c 2003 Tokyo Chunichi Sports Hai Musashino Stakes
2000 Sakura President c 2003 Sapporo Kinen
2000 Superieure m 2005 Takaragaike Tokubetsu
2000 Catch the Gold m 2005 Awaji Tokubetsu
2000 Quiet Day c 2007 March Stakes
2000 Alfajores c 2006 Kintei Stakes
2000 Albireo c 2005 Commemorative Race Of Yukio Okabe
2001 Vril c 2004 Ireland Trophy
2001 Valparaiso m 2004 Mimosa Sho
2001 Wadi Rum m 2006 Yonago Stakes
2001 Lord Marshal c 2004 Fukujuso Tokubetsu
2001 Lady in Black m 2004 Anemone Stakes
2001 Legolas c 2008 Ryogoku Tokubetsu
2001 Les Clefs d'Or m 2004 Kansai Telecasting Corp.Sho Rose Stakes
2001 Ribbon Art m 2006 Suzaku Stakes
2001 Rikiai Silence c 2007 October Stakes
2001 Meteor Burst c 2003 Icho Stakes
2001 Mejiro Nicolas g 2005 Shikotsuko Tokubetsu
2001 Meisho Ho O c 2007 Nigai Times Hai
2001 Mystic Age c 2004 Komakusa Sho
2001 Mile de Paris m 2007 Asuka Stakes
2001 Maino Chikara m 2006 Chushu Tokubetsu
2001 Beluga c 2008 Shumbo Stakes
2001 Pretty Princess m 2006 Kuta Tokubetsu
2001 Plasma c 2005 Oguninuma Tokubetsu
2001 Black Tide c 2004 Fuji TV Sho Spring Stakes
2001 French Idea m 2005 Hita Tokubetsu
2001 Firenze c 2006 Suma Tokubetsu
2001 Fine Cela m 2006 Moiwayaka Tokubetsu
2001 Pisa no Kukai c 2004 Principal Stakes
2001 Hikaru Dokisei m 2004 Tokai Teio Memorial
2001 Higher Game c 2004 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho
2001 Dolce Limone m 2004 Wasurenagusa Sho
2001 Stratagem c 2004 Sakaiminato Tokubetsu
2001 Swift Current c 2006 Kokura Kinen
2001 Sunday Stream g 2005 Commemorative Race of New Hakodate City
2001 Silence Gold g 2005 Aoshima Tokubetsu
2001 Gorgeous Dinner c 2006 Dannoura Tokubetsu
2001 Great Journey c 2006 Lord Derby Challenge
2001 Kyowa Roaring c 2007 Nishinippon Corp.Sho Kiyakyutsu Kinen
2001 Kyowa Splendor c 2003 Clover Sho
2001 Capital Flight c 2006 Yokote Tokubetsu
2001 Air Shady c 2008 American Jockey Club
2001 Admire Big c 2003 Tokyo Sports Hai Nisai Stakes
2001 Azuma Sanders m 2005 Kyoto Himba Stakes
2002 Lofty Aim m 2006 Fukushima Himba Stakes
2002 Lord Anthem c 2006 Senriyama Tokubetsu
2002 Rosenkreuz c 2007 Kinko Sho
2002 Rhett Butler c 2008 TV U Fukushima Sho
2002 Raise Your Dream c 2006 Enoshima Tokubetsu
2002 Race Pilot m 2005 Mimosa Sho
2002 Yamanin Ariel m 2007 Okazaki Tokubetsu
2002 Megaton Cafe c 2005 Oriental Sho
2002 Meisho Ote c 2006 Kotobuki stakes
2002 Maruka Sieg c 2006 Ogori Tokubetsu
2002 Machikane Kirara c 2006 April Stakes
2002 Machikane Aura c 2006 Toyota Sho Chukyo Kinen
2002 Bonaparte g 2005 Soma Tokubetsu
2002 Penny Whistle m 2005 Sapporo Nikkan Sports Hai
2002 Peer Gynt c 2004 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes
2002 Princess Lucita m 2007 Nayabashi Stakes
2002 Princess Grace m 2005 Kitano Tokubetsu
2002 Principe del Sol c 2008 Nishigo Tokubetsu
2002 Brave Heart c 2008 Abukuma Stakes
2002 Pisa no Patek c 2009 UHB Hai
2002 Pixie Dust m 2008 Uzushio Stakes
2002 Passional Dance m 2006 Yamakunigawa Tokubetsu
2002 Perfect Match m 2005 Haramachi Tokubetsu
2002 Hulk Banyan c 2007 Isezaki Tokubetsu
2002 New York Cafe c 2006 Yunokawa Tokubetsu
2002 Tokai Wild c Nikkei Shinsun Hai
2002 Dia de la Novia m 2005 Sankei Sports Sho Flora Stakes
2002 Dantsu Kitcho c 2005 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho
2002 Double Timpani c 2007 Orion Stakes
2002 Soldier's Song c 2008 Okutama Stakes
2002 Jadeite m 2005 Wasurenagusa Sho
2002 Six Sense c 2006 Kyoto Kinen
2002 Thanks a Lot m 2007 Seibunikkan Sports Hai
2002 Samurai Heart c 2005 Doncaster Cup
2002 King's Trail c 2005 R.F. Radio Nippon Sho St. Lite Kinen
2002 Eishin Lighten c 2006 Boso Tokubetsu
2002 Air Sabbath c 2006 Kiyotaki Tokubetsu
2002 Ibuki Revolution c 2005 Yukiyanagi Sho
2002 African Beat c 2007 Rokusha Tokubetsu
2002 Admire Japan c 2005 Keisei Hai
2002 Agnes Treasure c 2008 Murasaki Sho
2003 Russell Barows c 2006 Higashiyama Tokubetsu
2003 Maruka Shenck c 2005 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes
2003 Magic Hour g 2006 Atago Tokubetsu
2003 Fusaichi Junk c 2006 Wakagoma Stakes
2003 Hagino Princess m 2008 Akanko Tokubetsu
2003 Nirvana c 2008 Kokura Nikkei Open
2003 Trophy Deal c 2008 Biwako Tokubetsu
2003 Tosen Shana O c 2006 R.F. Radio Nippon Sho St. Lite Kinen
2003 Tudor Rose c 2007 Sakurayama Tokubetsu
2003 Chokai Sunday c 2006 Zao Tokubetsu
2003 Tagano Eiger c 2007 Mino Tokubetsu
2003 Saint Victoire m 2006 Elfin Stakes
2003 King Arthur c 2008 Koto Stakes
2003 Captain Vega c 2008 Sekigahara Stakes
2003 F Seiko c 2006 Wakatake Sho
2003 Eterno g 2009 Sakaiminato Tokubetsu
2003 Air Magdalene m 2007 Kamomejima Tokubetsu
2003 Win Legend c 2006 Aoi Stakes
2003 Admire Main c 2006 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho
2003 Admire Kiss m 2006 Kansai Telecasting Corp. Sho Rose Stakes
2003 Axion c 2010 Nikkai Sports Sho Nakayama Kimpai

Sire of sires

[edit]
Deep Impact winning Kikuka Sho 2005 on October 23.

Many of Sunday Silence's sons have gone on to become successful breeding stallions, with at least seventeen of them siring Group or Grade I winners. These include:

In addition to his sons, his daughter Sun is Up was the dam of 2014 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Karakontie.[49] Sunday Silence is also the damsire of Screen Hero (foaled by Running Heroine), Duramente (foaled by Admire Groove), and Almond Eye (foaled by Fusaichi Pandora), among others.[50][51][52]

When Blood-Horse magazine started to include Japanese earnings in their stallion rankings in 2016, Sunday Silence was the leading broodmare sire of the year.[53] In 2022, Gendarme (a grandson of Sunday Silence through his daughter Believe) won the G1 Sprinters Stakes, the same race his dam won in 2002.[54]

Death

[edit]

Sunday Silence died on August 19, 2002. He had been treated for laminitis for the previous 14 weeks and had developed an infection in one leg as well. He had been given a stronger dose of a different painkilling medication the previous day to provide him relief, and apparently as a result, he had become comfortable enough to lie down for the first time in a week. The following morning, he appeared unable to rise, and while veterinarians were discussing what to do, he died, apparently of heart failure.[55]

Pedigree

[edit]
Pedigree of Sunday Silence (USA), brown or black stallion, 1986[56]
Sire
Halo
black 1969 		Hail To Reason
brown 1958 		Turn-To (IRE)
bay 1951 		Royal Charger (GB)
Source Sucree (FR)
Nothirdchance
bay 1948 		Blue Swords
Galla Colors
Cosmah
brown 1953 		Cosmic Bomb
dark brown 1944 		Pharamond (GB)
Banish Fear
Almahmoud
chestnut 1947 		Mahmoud (FR)
Arbitrator
Dam
Wishing Well
brown 1975 		Understanding
chestnut 1963 		Promised Land
gray 1954 		Palestinian
Mahmoudess
Pretty Ways
brown 1953 		Stymie
Pretty Jo
Mountain Flower
bay 1964 		Montparnasse (ARG)
brown 1956 		Gulf Stream (GB)
Mignon (ARG)
Edelweiss
bay 1959 		Hillary
Dowager (Family: 3-e)
[edit]

In the horse racing game Derby Owners Club, Sunday Silence is one of the sires available to breed in the game. He is also pictured on one of the official game cards.[citation needed]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "National Museum of Racing, Hall of Fame, Thoroughbred Horses". Racingmuseum.org. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  2. ^ Richard Sowers (2014-02-07). The Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes: A Comprehensive History. MacFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 9780786476985. Retrieved June 6, 2015.
  3. ^ "Leading Sires of Japan". Tbheritage.com. Retrieved 2012-12-28.
  4. ^ Peters, Anne (May 29, 2013). "Pedigree: Kentucky Derby Winners as Sires". The Blood-Horse.
  5. ^ "Sunday Silence: A Fighter 'Til The End". Horse Network. March 25, 2016. Retrieved August 23, 2020.
  6. ^ "History/Tributes". Stone Farm. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  7. ^ "Sunday Silence roars in '89 Derby". ESPN. 2011-05-03. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  8. ^ "From unwanted colt to racing immortality". Thoroughbred Times. 2002-08-31. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  9. ^ Christine, Bill (May 18, 1989). "McGaughey decides not to run Easy Goer on bute in Preakness". Schenectady Gazette.
  10. ^ Nack, William (15 May 1989). "A Sunday Stroll". Sports Illustrated.
  11. ^ "The Kentucky Derby – Sunday Silence Is Golden Despite the Mud – California Colt Defeats Easy Goer". Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  12. ^ a b "Sunday Silence, Derby talk". Daily Racing Form. 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  13. ^ "Closing the Chapter on Easy Goer". Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  14. ^ "Sunday Silence Iffy for Preakness". The Philadelphia Inquirer. 1989-05-15. Archived from the original on June 10, 2015. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  15. ^ "Looking For Word To Whys Will Easy Goer Have Answers?". Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  16. ^ Demmie, Stathoplos (29 May 1989). "Nose to Nose". Sports Illustrated.
  17. ^ "Sunday Silence Wins Preakness by Nose". The New York Times. 1989-05-21. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  18. ^ "Day finally steers Easy Goer right". Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  19. ^ Christine, Bill (August 3, 1989). "Horse Racing : King Glorious to Skip Travers, and Easy Goer". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  20. ^ Christine, Bill (June 15, 1989). "Horse Racing / Bill Christine : Hawkster Wins the Triple Crown of Mediocrity". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  21. ^ Christine, Bill (June 6, 1990). "Lasix Debate Steals Belmont Spotlight : Horse racing: New York prohibits use of the diuretic to treat horses, in effect keeping bleeders such as Summer Squall away". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  22. ^ Perrone, Vinnie (June 11, 1989). "New York Still Bars Harthill". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  23. ^ Crist, Steven (June 9, 1989). "Belmont Stakes – The Big Two Will Go Head to Head at the Start". The New York Times. Retrieved July 6, 2016.
  24. ^ "Sunday Silence makes kick early". Associated Press. 1989-06-10. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  25. ^ "Belmont Stakes – A Wet Track Could Dampen Bid for Crown". The New York Times. 1989-06-10. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  26. ^ "The Belmont Stakes (G1)". belmontstakes.com. 2012-06-09. Archived from the original on 2011-07-07. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  27. ^ "Belmont Stakes – An Appropriate Reaction From Whittingham: Silence". The New York Times. 1989-06-11. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  28. ^ "Easy Goer Finally Beats Sunday Silence". The New York Times. 1989-06-11. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  29. ^ Beyer, Andrew (11 June 1989). "Easy Goer Makes Hay With 8-Length Belmont Win". The Washington Post.
  30. ^ "Sunday Silence Surprised By Prized In Swaps Stakes - Philly.com". Articles.philly.com. 1989-07-24. Archived from the original on September 14, 2015. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  31. ^ "Best vs. Best, Not East vs. West". The New York Times. 1989-10-29. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  32. ^ "Daily Racing Form Chart of 1989 Breeder's Cup Classic". Daily Racing Form. 1989-11-04. Archived from the original on 2013-06-27. Retrieved 2013-04-20.
  33. ^ "Sunday Silence does the expected". The New York Times. 1990-01-30. Retrieved 2013-04-17.
  34. ^ "His big heart stops". Daily Racing Form. 2011-09-16. Retrieved 2013-04-17.
  35. ^ "National Museum of Racing, Hall of Fame, Thoroughbred Horses". Racingmuseum.org. Archived from the original on 2013-10-16. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  36. ^ "National Museum of Racing, Hall of Fame, Thoroughbred Horses". Racingmuseum.org. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  37. ^ "Horse Racing Statistics | Race Stats | Thoroughbred Racing Statistics". Equibase.com. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  38. ^ "Sunday Silence Horse of Year". The New York Times. 1990-01-28. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  39. ^ "Criminal Type Beats Sunday Silence". The New York Times. 1990-06-25. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  40. ^ "Sunday Silence Joins Easy Goer In Retirement After Leg Injury". The New York Times. 1990-08-03. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  41. ^ "National Museum of Racing, Hall of Fame, Thoroughbred Horses". Racingmuseum.org. Archived from the original on 2010-11-23. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  42. ^ Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments. Blood-Horse Publications. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  43. ^ Thoroughbred Champions: Top 100 Racehorse of the 20th Century. Blood-Horse Publications. 1999. ISBN 9781581500240. Retrieved 2013-04-21.
  44. ^ "Odds open for Pharoah's 'Grand Slam' attempt". The Courier-Journal.
  45. ^ a b c Hickman, Janet (December 7, 2015). "Eleven stallions who made it big after getting a second chance". Thoroughbred Racing Commentary. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
  46. ^ a b "Sunday Silence". American Classic Pedigrees. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  47. ^ "JBIS-Search Result (in Japanese)". Jbis.or.jp. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
  48. ^ Sunday Silence Dominates Broodmare Sires
  49. ^ "Japan-Bred Karakontie Scores Mile Win". The Blood-Horse.
  50. ^ "Screen Hero(JPN)". JBIS-Search. Retrieved 2024-05-01.
  51. ^ "Duramente(JPN)". JBIS-Search. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  52. ^ "Almond Eye(JPN)". JBIS-Search. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
  53. ^ "Sunday Silence Dominates Broodmare Sires". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 1 December 2019.
  54. ^ Kieckhefer, Bob (2022-10-02). "Gendarme Scores the Upset in Japan's Sprinters Stakes". www.bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 2023-07-16.
  55. ^ "Derby Winner, Top Japanese Sire Sunday Silence Dies". The Blood-Horse.
  56. ^ "Classic Winner: Sunday Silence". Chef-de-race.com. Retrieved 2011-12-29.
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