The son of Storm Cat was originally imported to Argentina by Haras La Quebrada, later acquired by Haras Santa María de Juncal
By Diego H. Mitagstein
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Especial para Turf Diario).- At 20 years of age and following surgery, the accomplished stallion The Leopard passed away just hours ago at Haras Santa María de Juncal, where he had stood since 2016.
A son of the legendary Storm Cat, The Leopard was initially imported to Argentina by Haras La Quebrada, where he stood from 2008 to 2015 before moving to Uruguay, where he became a reliable sire of outstanding runners.
Out of the G3-placed Moon Safari (Mr. Prospector) and a half-brother to Just Pretending (Giant’s Causeway)—winner of the Irish 1000 Guineas Trial Stakes (G3) and runner-up in both the Irish 1000 Guineas (G1) and Irish Oaks (G1)—The Leopard passed through auction twice. He sold for $1,000,000 at the 2006 Keeneland September Sale and later fetched $2,500,000 at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton February Sale, purchased by Demi O’Byrne for Coolmore.
Racing in Coolmore’s silks under Todd Pletcher’s guidance, The Leopard won three times at age two during a brief six-race career. His standout performances included victories in the Generous Stakes (G3) at Hollywood Park and the Pilgrim Stakes (L) at Belmont Park.
Exported to Argentina, The Leopard sired 194 winners, including 11 black-type performers, led by Wanna Dance, who captured the Gran Premio Saturnino J. Unzué (G1) along with the Fortunato Damiani (G3) and Derli A. Gómez (G3).
Other notable stakes winners from his Argentine crops include Nickelback, Comparsero, Nut Mix, Figureta, Pete the Tiger, Gata Feliz, Madonna Alfonsina, Raven Master, Zamba Mía, and Vía Valnerina.
At Haras Santa María de Juncal, The Leopard further cemented his legacy with standout progeny such as Justice Cat, winner of the Gran Premio Pedro Piñeyrúa (G1) and crowned Champion Miler in 2021, and Astrid, Uruguay’s Champion 2-Year-Old Filly, who captured the Gran Premio Criterium (G2) along with the Sarandí (G3), Producción Nacional (G3), and Campeones Juvenile Fillies.
Other notable performers by The Leopard in Uruguay include Linda Dama, Gata de Verano, Leoparda Brava, Leopardo Real, La Fiera, Nuestro Sueño, Programático, and Compadrita. With three more crops yet to hit the racetrack—including the foals set to arrive this season—The Leopard leaves a lasting legacy across South America.
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