Rockridge Stud reported Sept. 10 that its stallion Al Khali, an 18-year-old son of Medaglia d'Oro , succumbed to a bout of colic Sept. 7. The millionaire multiple graded stakes winner had been standing at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, N.Y., for the past three seasons.
Al Khali was purchased as a yearling for $15,000 during the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Dante Zanelli Jr. He went on to make 41 starts initially for Maria Santa in Peru, then was brought to the United States and raced for WinStar Farm, and finished his career for owners Brous Stable and Wachtel Stable with trainer Bill Mott. For his last ownership group, he won the 2009 Saranac Stakes (G3T) at 3 at Saratoga Race Course and the 2010 Bowling Green Handicap (G2T) at Belmont Park at 4. He placed in six grade 1 stakes, which included runner-up efforts in the 2012 Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (G1T) and Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1T).
Al Khali was also a full brother to former New York stallion Japan, both out of the winning Capote mare Maya. Al Khali retired to Keane Stud in 2016 with a record of 8-5-5 and earnings of $1,019,510.
Owner Adam Wachtel said: "We are very sad to lose this well-loved horse. 'Big Al' was a barn favorite at the track."
Al Khali has sired 10 winners from 14 starters.
