Beloved Derby Winner Always Dreaming Dies from Complications of ColicThe stallion died due to a burst cecum caused by complications from colic, a condition he had been battling. His death was confirmed by bloodstock agent Chad Schumer and Francisco Bravo, co-owner of River Oaks Farms in Sulphur, Oklahoma.A burst cecum, a rupture in the first section of the large intestine, typically results from cecal impaction. This condition can lead to the leakage of bowel contents into the abdominal cavity, creating life-threatening complications.Tragic Final Days
According to Bravo, Always Dreaming showed signs of discomfort on Thursday, December 7, prompting immediate veterinary care at Oakridge Equine Hospital. "We rushed him to the clinic, and he was doing fine for a while," Bravo shared. "I brought him back to the farm on Monday, and he seemed to be recovering. Unfortunately, he relapsed that evening with severe colic, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was humanely euthanized early Tuesday morning."A Storied Career
Bred by Santa Rosa Partners, Always Dreaming was sired by Bodemeister out of the grade 1-placed mare Above Perfection. His dam also produced the grade 1 winner Hot Dixie Chick and grade 2 winner Positive Spirit, solidifying a strong pedigree.Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Always Dreaming won four of his 11 career starts, including dominant victories in the Florida Derby (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) in 2017. Despite going winless in his final five starts, he retired as a $2.4 million earner, co-owned by Brooklyn Boyz Stables, Teresa Viola Racing Stables, Siena Farm, West Point Thoroughbreds, MeB Racing Stables, and St. Elias Stables.After retiring in 2019, Always Dreaming stood at WinStar Farm in Kentucky before relocating to River Oaks Farms in Oklahoma in September 2023. This move marked him as the first Kentucky Derby winner to stand in the state, generating excitement within the local breeding community.Breeding Impact and Legacy
As the ninth-leading third-crop sire of 2023, Always Dreaming produced several notable progeny, including Saudi Crown, winner of the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1). River Oaks Farms had high hopes for his impact in Oklahoma, offering a special introductory breeding fee of $2,500 for the 2025 season. Plans were in place for him to cover a robust book of 50-70 mares, a remarkable number for the region.His death is a considerable blow to the racing and breeding community. Elliott Walden, president of WinStar Farm, expressed deep sadness over the loss: "It's a profound loss. He was a cool horse. His absence will be felt by everyone who had the privilege of working with him."Always Dreaming’s legacy as a Kentucky Derby champion and influential sire will continue through his progeny, ensuring his contributions to the Thoroughbred industry endure.
According to Bravo, Always Dreaming showed signs of discomfort on Thursday, December 7, prompting immediate veterinary care at Oakridge Equine Hospital. "We rushed him to the clinic, and he was doing fine for a while," Bravo shared. "I brought him back to the farm on Monday, and he seemed to be recovering. Unfortunately, he relapsed that evening with severe colic, and his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was humanely euthanized early Tuesday morning."A Storied Career
Bred by Santa Rosa Partners, Always Dreaming was sired by Bodemeister out of the grade 1-placed mare Above Perfection. His dam also produced the grade 1 winner Hot Dixie Chick and grade 2 winner Positive Spirit, solidifying a strong pedigree.Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Always Dreaming won four of his 11 career starts, including dominant victories in the Florida Derby (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) in 2017. Despite going winless in his final five starts, he retired as a $2.4 million earner, co-owned by Brooklyn Boyz Stables, Teresa Viola Racing Stables, Siena Farm, West Point Thoroughbreds, MeB Racing Stables, and St. Elias Stables.After retiring in 2019, Always Dreaming stood at WinStar Farm in Kentucky before relocating to River Oaks Farms in Oklahoma in September 2023. This move marked him as the first Kentucky Derby winner to stand in the state, generating excitement within the local breeding community.Breeding Impact and Legacy
As the ninth-leading third-crop sire of 2023, Always Dreaming produced several notable progeny, including Saudi Crown, winner of the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1). River Oaks Farms had high hopes for his impact in Oklahoma, offering a special introductory breeding fee of $2,500 for the 2025 season. Plans were in place for him to cover a robust book of 50-70 mares, a remarkable number for the region.His death is a considerable blow to the racing and breeding community. Elliott Walden, president of WinStar Farm, expressed deep sadness over the loss: "It's a profound loss. He was a cool horse. His absence will be felt by everyone who had the privilege of working with him."Always Dreaming’s legacy as a Kentucky Derby champion and influential sire will continue through his progeny, ensuring his contributions to the Thoroughbred industry endure.
