An era came to an end on Dec. 15 when top-class racehorse and elite sire Awesome Again died at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Kentucky. The aging stallion was 26 years old.

A son of Deputy Minister bred in Canada by Frank Stronach of Stronach Stables, Awesome Again only raced once in his native country, dominating the 1997 Queen’s Plate S. during a productive 3-year-old campaign. The following year, Awesome Again went 6-for-6 under the care of trainer Pat Byrne, scoring five graded stakes victories highlighted by successes in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and Whitney H. (G1).

Although Awesome Again retired to stud with a decorated resume—12 starts, nine wins, earnings of $4,374,590—he was arguably even more successful as a stallion. Known as a source of stamina, Awesome Again made headlines as the sire of Breeders’ Cup winners Wilko (2004 Juvenile), Round Pond (2006 Distaff), Ginger Punch (2007 Distaff), and Ghostzapper (2004 Classic). The latter, widely regarded as one of the most brilliant runners to ever set foot on a racetrack, is emulating his sire with a productive stud career of his own.