English Channel Unlikely to Breed in 2022
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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
English Channel at Calumet Farm
English Channel , the leading turf sire in North America this year, is unlikely to breed in 2022 due to unspecified health issues, according to Calumet Farm.
A 19-year-old son of Smart Strike, English Channel stood at Calumet for $27,500 in 2021. His progeny this year have been led by grade 1 turf winners War Like Goddess , Two Emmys , and Channel Cat .
English Channel was at his best on grass, winning graded stakes on turf at ages 3,4, and 5. During his 5-year-old season, he won the 2007 John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Monmouth Park for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner James Scatuorchio. He made more than $5.3 million, winning 13 of 23 career starts.
"This is an unfortunate blow for a stallion that was rising to the peak of his career and finally getting the respect he deserved," read a statement from Calumet Farm. "However, we at Calumet strive to provide the best care for all our horses and will always put the horse's health, safety, and well-being first. We are going to be monitoring English Channel on a daily basis, but at this time, it does not look like English Channel will breed in the upcoming season."
English Channel has sired seven champions, 32 graded stakes winners, and 61 stakes winners. His progeny have earned more than $62 million, buoyed by the achievements of seven millionaires and 12 individual grade 1 winners.