From Kentucky Derby to Winning Breeders’ Cup, $1.1M Earner War Chant Meets Its Demise

War Chant, a notable American Thoroughbred racehorse, known for its impressive victories has met its demise. The 27-year-old stallion from Yarradale Stud, passed away on April 11 and his wins include the Kentucky Derby and clinching a remarkable $1.1 million in the Breeders’ Cup. 

The news has sent shockwaves through the horse racing community, highlighting the fleeting nature of both triumph and life in the competitive domain of horse racing. The 1997 born horse War Chant raced in 2000, in a prestigious race in the world of horse racing in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. War Chant’s demise marks the end of an era for many in the horse racing community who followed his career and admired his achievements. 

War Chant’s illustrious career ends in heartbreaking demise

As per the report on Bloodhorse.com, a longstanding resident at Yarradale Stud in Australia, met his untimely demise and passed away on April 11th. The champion War Chant was the son of Danzig and succumbed to death because of old age at Gidgegannup nursery that he called home for over a decade. In 2011, Ron Sayers secured War Chant’s Southern Hemisphere breeding rights for three years. By 2014, War Chant permanently relocated to Western Australia. In five of seven starts he amassed a cumulative earning of $1,130,600. Yarradale stud manager Davy Hanratty said, “He had the three Ps—performance, pedigree, and physique”. Further, he added, “His movie star good looks hit you first. He was a quirky devil at times but taught me to be a better horseman.” 

He was sired by Danzig out of the Kris S. mare Hollywood Wildcat, trained by Neil D. Drysdale and raced for Irving M. Cowan, Marjorie Cowan, and was bred in Kentucky, United States. War Chant had initial success on dirt before excelling on turf under trainer Neil Drysdale. He reached new heights when Drysdale switched him to turf after a ninth-place finish in the 2000 Kentucky Derby (G1). Throughout his career he has captivated the audience with his speed, skill and determination, leaving behind a lasting impression on those who witnessed his performance. 

War Chant’s legacy and timeless tribute to racing excellence

War Chant’s racing career began with the turn of the new millennium, i.e. in 2000, began competing in races as a two-year-old in 1999. In his later years, War Chant taught young staff breeding skills. In a notable turn of events, he made a stunning debut on turf by winning the Oak Tree Breeders’ Cup Mile Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita. His prowess didn’t stop there; he went on to claim victory in a thrilling edition of the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) at Churchill Downs. War Chant’s journey as a stallion began with a stud fee of $75,000 at Three Chimneys in 2001. 

Chamberlain Bridge’s victory in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G2T) highlighted War Chant’s ability to produce champions, with Chamberlain Bridge amassing an impressive record of 19 wins from 53 career starts and earning a remarkable $1,953,016. Additionally, he boasted impressive bloodlines as a half brother to the group 2 winner Ivan Denisovich. The death of War Chant is a somber moment for the horse racing world, but his legacy as a Breeders’ Cup Mile winner will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come.