Highfield Stock Farm announced Sept. 9 the death of stallion Cape Canaveral at the farm in Alberta, Canada. He was euthanized at age 26 after having treatment to battle severe cellulitis, the farm indicated.
Cape Canaveral stood at Highfield for 14 years. He was pensioned last fall.
Highfield Stock Farm wrote in a release that he "was an incredibly special horse to be around, and the entire team will feel his loss."
One of the leading sires in Canada since 2008, Cape Canaveral was a foundation sire for Highfield. He sired three graded winners, 21 black-type winners, and 315 winners of 1,080 races from 20 overall crops, 19 of which are of racing age. His progeny earned over $17.8 million.
"'Cape has left his impression on all those fortunate enough to have been tasked with his care. His longevity in the breeding shed is a testament to (staffers) Cal Britton, Amber Jacobson, Jennifer Buck, and Kelly Robinson, who have impeccably cared for him through his tenure at Highfield. He was the foundation sire for our breeding program, and he will be greatly missed," stated Adrian Munro, president of Highfield
Cape Canaveral was one of the last sons of Mr. Prospector standing in North America. Produced from 1990 Kentucky Oaks (G1)-winning mare Seaside Attraction, he won three of four starts, including the 1999 San Miguel Stakes (G3), for Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas and owner-breeder Overbook Farm.
