Dynaformer dead at age 27

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MIDWAY, Ky., April 29 (UPI) -- Dynaformer, one of the world's top thoroughbred stallions, died Sunday at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky. He was 27.

Dynaformer sired the winners of many of the world's top racers. He had been retired from stud duty after suffering an aortic valve rupture this month.

Prominent among his legion of successful progeny are Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and Melbourne Cup winner Americain. His sons and daughters also won the One Thousand Guineas, Irish Oaks, Stephen Foster Handicap, English St. Leger, German Derby, Blue Grass Stakes, American Oaks, Hollywood Derby, Shadwell Turf Mile, Santa Margarita Invitational, Flower Bowl Invitational, Santa Maria Handicap, Yorkshire Oaks, Beverly D. Stakes, Diana Handicap,Florida Derby, Hempstead Handicap, Gazelle Handicap, Matriarch Stakes and many other top races.

His son, McDynamo, won an unprecedented five Breeders' Cup Steeplechase races.

"Dynaformer impacted the industry in a way that few ever have or will," Three Chimneys President Case Clay said. "More than that, though, he was an awe-inspiring horse to be around. He commanded respect and his toughness was undeniable to the very end. He reminded me a lot of Seattle Slew in that when you were around him, you knew you were in the presence of greatness."

Seattle Slew also stood at Three Chimneys for many years.

From his 21 crops of foals that raced, Dynaformer's progeny have earned more than $105 million. He is the sire of 130 stakes winners, including 61 graded stakes winners, 25 Grade 1 stakes winners and 18 millionaires. Those numbers are the best in each respective category of all active sires.