Perennial leading sire Pulpit (A.P. Indy—Preach, by Mr. Prospector) died in his paddock at Claiborne Farm (Seth Hancock, president) near Paris, Ky., Dec. 6, 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 race horse and later as a stallion. Thankfully, we know his legacy will continue on through his sons and daughters."
Bred and raced by Claiborne, Pulpit (A.P. Indy--Preach, by Mr. Prospector) did not race at 2 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 strong wins at Gulfstream Park. Off those performances, he went off as the favorite for the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II) and came from off the pace to win. Second in the Florida Derby (gr. I), Pulpit then rolled to an impressive victory in Keeneland's Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. II). Injured while finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), Pulpit entered stud at his birthplace.
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