Evergreen Florida based sire Skip Trial was put down on Tuesday due to the infirmities of old age.  He was 30.

Skip Trial (Bailjumper) was one of last links to the Damascus sire line.  He had been based at Bridlewood Farm in Florida since retiring to stud in 1988.  In that time he sired 28 stakes winners highlighted by Hall of Fame champion Skip Away.

Bred in Kentucky by Nancy Penn Morgan, the bay colt was sold at the 1983 Keeneland September yearling sale for $25,000.  He claimed the G1 Haskell Invitational over Horse of the Year Spend a Buck at three, and the G1 Gulfstream Park Hcp at four and five.

“Skip Trial was a farm stalwart and favourite,” Bridlewood manager George Isaacs said.  “In my mind, he was a throwback to the thoroughbred of yesteryear, with his rugged looks and hickory toughness.

“He was a proven source of soundness and stamina and he always had one of the highest national rankings for average earnings per starter.  He was a special horse and noble equine friend who will be sorely missed.”

SKIP AWAY
Champion USA Eclipse winner was far and away
the best galloper sired by Skip Trial