 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Rising to prominence with an unbeaten juvenile campaign and later establishing himself as one of North America's premier stallions, Uncle Mo has died following complications from surgery to his left foreleg at Coolmore's Ashford Stud. He was 16.
The son of Indian Charlie burst onto the racing scene under the guidance of trainer Todd Pletcher, producing an eye-catching 14¼-length victory on debut at Saratoga. His meteoric rise continued with a commanding 4¾-length triumph in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, before securing championship honours with a devastating performance in the Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs.
Returning at three with victory in the Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Uncle Mo suffered his first defeat when third in the Gr.1 Wood Memorial. Despite entering the Kentucky Derby picture as one of the leading fancies, illness forced his withdrawal on the morning of the race.
Standing at Ashford Stud, Uncle Mo rapidly established himself as an influential sire, becoming the fastest predominantly dirt stallion to reach 100 stakes winners. His progeny have earned more than US$124 million on the track, with his first crop yielding 25 individual black-type winners, including Kentucky Derby victor Nyquist.
Coolmore America manager Dermot Ryan said: "We're all still in shock. He will be greatly missed by everyone here, particularly by his personal groom Rene Macias. He was an exceptional sire on the racetrack and in the sales ring."
His influence extended to producing two Breeders' Cup winners in Golden Pal and a second classic winner in Mo Donegal, who captured the Gr.1 Belmont Stakes. His consistent success led to a peak stud fee of US$150,000, and he was due to stand the 2025 season at US$125,000.
Owner Mike Repole posted on X: "The Repole Stable family, Todd Pletcher family and the entire Coolmore family are heartbroken. Uncle Mo was so much more to me than a champion and iconic stallion—he was and always will be part of my family."
Among his 15 Group One winners were A Mo Reay, Arabian Knight, Bast, and Yaupon, while his emerging influence as a broodmare sire is evident through 242 winners from 411 runners, including potential Horse of the Year candidate Thorpedo Anna.
"I would like to thank Mike Repole for giving us the opportunity to stand him in the first instance and for being a truly fantastic partner," Ryan added. "Todd Pletcher for training to perfection, the Coolmore partners for placing such faith in him and our loyal clients for their unwavering support."