Dubai World Cup winner dies in Japan

Dubai World Cup winner Captain Steve (USA) has died in Japan after suffering a heart attack.  He was 16.

Captain Steve (Fly So Free – Sparkling Delite by Vice Regent) was trained by Bob Baffert to win the G1 Hollywood Futurity at two.  After failing in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, he claimed the G1 Swaps Stakes and was third to Tiznow and Giant’s Causeway in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

As a four year-old in 2001, Captain Steve landed the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park en route to taking the Dubai World Cup.

Captain Steve was sold to the Japan Racing Association for $5 million but has sired just two Listed winners (Ice Doll & Silk Crusader) from nine crops of racing age.  He had been standing most recently at the Schichinohe Stallion Station.