Southern Halo

Southern Halo (1983–2009) was an American-bred Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. In his racing career he ran twenty-four times winning five races and finishing second in the Grade I Swaps Stakes and Super Derby. He is chiefly notable for his remarkable career at stud where he was leading sire in Argentina on ten occasions and the sire of 170 stakes winners, 56 of them Group/Grade I winners, and 16 of them were champions.

Background

Southern Halo was bred in Maryland by E. P. Taylor. As a yearling he was sent to the Keeneland sales where he was bought for $600,000 by the British Bloodstock Agency. He was originally sent into training in Ireland.^[3]

Racing career

Southern Halo made little impact as a racehorse in Europe, finishing unplaced on both his starts. He was then sent to race in the United States where he was trained by D. Wayne Lukas. Southern Halo proved to be more successful racing in America. Although he recorded no major wins he finished placed in several stakes races including the Swaps Stakes, the Super Derby and the Silver Screen Handicap.

Stud career

Southern Halo was retired to stud in Argentina, where he became one of the most successful stallions in the history of South American thoroughbred racing.^[3] Among his best progeny is the American Grade I winner and very successful sire More than Ready. He also sired American Grade I winner Miss Linda, and Canadian champion Edenwold. Southern Halo died in November 2009 in his paddock at the Haras la Quebrada near Buenos Aries.

Pedigree

References