RaceHorseHeroes

jejquade · Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject: Silver Patriarch

By Bloodstock World Staff5.02PM 2 JUN 2009

DUAL-purpose sire Silver Patriarch has been retired from stud duties with immediate effect.

The decision was taken to retire the 15-year-old son of Saddlers' Hall after he experienced declining fertility.

Silver Patriarch, who won the 1997 St Leger and ran a close second to Benny The Dip in that year's Derby, spent the first eight years of his stud career at the National Stud in Newmarket.

He was transferred to Bill Bromley's Wood Farm Stud in Shropshire for the 2008 season, where he stood this year for £2,500.

He has since returned to the National Stud.

Brian O'Rourke, managing director of the National Stud, paid tribute to the stallion, saying: "Silver Patriarch has been a great servant to us since he joined the National Stud's roster back in 2000.

"On veterinary advice, we have taken the decision to retire him from stud duties. I would like to thank all the breeders who supported him through his career and Bill for managing him over the last two seasons."

Despite standing for £2,500 throughout his stud career, Silver Patriarch has proven to be an effective sire under both codes. The dual Listed winner Party Boss heads a limited number of representatives on the Flat while over jumps, he has been responsiblr by the Grade 2 Persian War Novices' Hurdle winner Rimsky and Grade 3 Mount Ruby Handicap Chase winner Third Level Tom.