Dam of Breeders Cup shocker Arcangues dies

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MIDWAY, Ky., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Albertine, a top race mare and dam of one of the Breeders' Cup's biggest shockers, died this month at age 32, Three Chimneys Farm announced Monday.

The Midway, Ky., farm's oldest equine resident died Feb. 3 "from the infirmities of old age" and was buried in the its broodmare cemetery, a statement said.

The French-bred mare, who raced in the colors of Daniel Wildenstein, won the Group 2 Prix de l'Opera in her native land, then finished fourth in the Grade I E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine, near Toronto.

She was best known as the dam of Arcangues, who won the 1993 Breeders' Cup Classic at odds of 133-1. The $269.20 win payout remains the largest in the history of the Breeders' Cup World Championship races.

Arcangues was so unknown in the United States that jockey Jerry Bailey had never laid eyes on him until he was given a leg up in the paddock and couldn't converse with the horse's handlers because they spoke only French. Arcangues caught pacesetting favorite Bertrando in the stretch and won by 2 lengths.

"As a recent member of the Breeders' Cup Board, I can't emphasize enough the magnitude of winning the Breeders' Cup Classic," David Wildenstein said. "It is truly one of the greatest accomplishments that a thoroughbred owner and breeder can hope to achieve. Albertine holds a special place among the best mares my grandfather ever bred, and she is honored today by a wonderful legacy."