NEWS
Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up Soviet Problem euthanized
Posted: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 5:10 PM
Soviet Problem, the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up and that year’s California horse of the year, has been euthanized at age 21 due to the infirmities of old age at John Harris’ farm in Coalinga, California.
Foaled in 1990, Soviet Problem was bred, campaigned, and owned throughout her lifetime by the partnership of John Harris and Donald Valpredo.
By Moscow Ballet out of Nopro Blama, by Dimaggio, she hit the board in 18 of her 20 career starts, winning 15 times and earning $905,546. Trained by Greg Gilchrist throughout her career and ridden primarily by Chris McCarron and Russell Baze, she was voted California’s champion three-year-old female in 1993 and the state’s champion sprinter, champion older female, champion turf horse and horse of the year in 1994.
As a broodmare, Soviet Problem produced five winners from six starters, including stakes winner Uncle Don, who captured the 2010 Grey Memo Stakes at Hollywood Park.
”Soviet Problem was a dream mare for Don and I to own,” Harris said in a statement. “She gave 100% every race. We will always have fond memories of all the fun times we had with her.
“She never produced a foal nearly as good as she was, although we do feel good about her three-year-old, Good to Be King, by Gulch, who currently is in training.”
Soviet Problem was buried at her birthplace, Harris Farms, near her sire, Moscow Ballet.
