Internationally renowned stallion Silver Hawk, sire of 1997 Vodafone Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) winner Benny the Dip among three classic winners, has been euthanized at age 29, according to a statement from Brereton and Elizabeth Jones’s Airdrie Stud in Midway, Kentucky, where the Roberto horse stood his entire stud career.
From 21 crops, Silver Hawk has sired 39 group or graded stakes winners, including Japan’s 1997 champion two-year-old colt Grass Wonder, 1999 Rothmans Royals St. Leger (Eng-G1) winner Mutafaweq, 1989 Prix de Diane Hermes (Fr-G1) (French Oaks ) winner Lady in Silver, and American Grade 1 winners Hawk Attack, Hawkster, Memories of Silver, Nashoba’s Key, Red Bishop, Silver Ending, and Wonder Again.
Multiple Grade 1 winner Nashoba’s Key, a winner of eight of ten starts and a finalist for an Eclipse Award last year, was euthanized on May 28 after breaking her hind leg while stabled at Hollywood Park.
Silver Hawk was pensioned in 2004 and lived the remainder of his life in the Airdrie Stud stallion barn. He is buried directly beside the barn he called home.
“I really can't begin to tell you what Silver Hawk meant for Airdrie Stud,” said Airdrie’s Bret Jones. “In the early 90's when the market was down and times were tough, I think it is fair to say that Silver Hawk kept our doors open. He was a real godsend for us, and we owe him a lifetime of gratitude.
“He will always be very special to every member of the Airdrie family. He stood with us for 25 years and really was the face of the farm.”
Airdrie Stallion Manager Kelly McDaniel, who started with Airdrie at about the same time as Silver Hawk, took care of him until his last breath, Jones said.
“Silver Hawk was the king of that barn until the very end and was as tough as they come,” Jones said. “When Stevie Wonderboy was paraded in the barn for the first time in early July last year, Silver Hawk wheeled in his stall and double barreled the stall door when he walked by. He was as smart as he was tough, and our young studs have a tough act to follow.”
Out of the *Amerigo mare Gris Vitesse, Silver Hawk won the Ladbrokes Craven Stakes (Eng-G3) as a three-year-old in 1982 and finished third in the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) for trainer Michael Albina and owner Buckram Oak Farm. He won three of eight lifetime starts and earned $184,099.
As broodmare sire, Silver Hawk’s daughters have produced four Grade or Group 1 winners in Asi Siempre, Ticker Tape (GB), Castledale (Ire), and Playful Act (Ire), who sold for a broodmare record $10.5-million at the 2007 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.
Millionaire and multiple graded stakes winner Badge of Silver, who is standing his second season at Airdrie Stud, is out of the Silver Hawk mare Silveroo. Silver Hawk has no active sons standing in the United States.
To date, Silver Hawk has sired 76 stakes winners from 862 foals of racing age. His progeny have earned $56,036,229.
