Premier Kentucky stallion Dynaformer died at Three Chimneys Farm on Sunday.

Three Chimneys had pensioned the 27 year-old earlier this month after he suffered an aortic valve rupture.  He had been eating well and maintaining his daily routine in the days following the scare, but his health took a turn for the worse on Saturday.

“Dynaformer told us when it was his time to go,” Three Chimneys vet Dr. Jim Morehead said.  “A normal horse would not have survived his initial cardiac episode.  He did everything on his terms, including deciding when he’d had enough.”

Dynaformer was known internationally for siring such top class athletes as Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, Melbourne Cup winner Americain and $4.70 million dollar-earner Perfect Drift.

With 21 crops to race, Dynaformer’s progeny have earned more than $105 million.  He is the sire of 130 stakes winners, including 25 Group 1 winners and 18 millionaires.

“Dynaformer impacted the industry in a way that few ever have or will,” Three Chimneys president Case Clay said.  “More than that, though, he was an awe-inspiring horse to be around.  He commanded respect and his toughness was undeniable to the very end.  He reminded me a lot of Seattle Slew in that when you were around him, you knew you were in the presence of greatness.”

Dynaformer will impact the breed for decades to come.  His daughters have produced 78 stakes winners and that number will undoubtedly continue to grow.

Bred in Kentucky, Dynaformer was a homebred for Joseph Allen and was trained by D. Wayne Lukas to win the G2 Jersey Derby in 1988.  He will be buried in the Three Chimneys stallion cemetery next to Rahy and Wild Again.