Passing Of Crusade
After it was reported yesterday morning that Crusade was battling a severe bout of colic and being transported to Baker & McVeigh in Summerveld, it was announced last night that he had died after a decision was made to humanely euthanise Crusade whilst under anaesthetic, due to considerable and irreparable damage found to his colon during surgery.
Purchased by the KZN Breeders Club utilising the KZN Breeders Premium Scheme, Crusade was a perfect fit for the criteria the KZN Breeders Club were looking for – a European Gr1 winner who had raced Lasix-free with a pedigree.
A Gr1 Middle Park Stakes winning son of Mr Greeley out of a speedy Group winning Coolmore mare that Crusade strongly resembled in looks, his dam went on to produce multiple Gr1 winner Seventh Heaven, with her progeny thereafter placing in numerous European Group races. It was a pedigree bursting with Gr1 Middle Park Stakes winners, and Crusade went on to produce many winning Sprinter and Sprinter Milers – he stamped his progeny in no uncertain terms, usually plain black with his head resembled and particular hindquarters, and on the rare occasion plain liver chestnuts which must have been a throwback to his own sire Mr Greeley.
Crusade produced four Stakes Winners from his first crop, and his Clifton-bred daughter – a two-time Listed winner Covered In Snow was recently retired to stud.
Crusade began his career at Scott Bros Highdown Stud and enjoyed great support from the KZN Breeders Club, filling his books each year. After Scott Bros took the decision to reduce their breeding operation, a decision was made by the Crusade syndicate to relocate Crusade to Clifton Stud in Rosetta, a perfect halfway point for breeders situated between Nottingham Road and Mooi River.
Crusade’s lifetime winners to runners percentage stands at 55% and for the season 46% winners to runners, his average earnings per runner is R54 360.00, with R5-million in stakes earned.
His Stakes horses include Covered In Snow, Bullsade, recent Gr1 placed behind Oh Susanna – Silent Crusade, Butchie Boy, and the sadly deceased Alfeo who passed away after crossing the finish line.
Always a popular sire at sales, Crusade will be represented on the KZN Yearling Sale with 17 of his progeny on offer.
Our thoughts go out to both Scott Bros and Clifton Stud who stood Crusade.
May he Rest In Peace.
