Silken Cat (Storm Cat–Silken Doll, by Chieftain), the Sovereign Award-winning 2-year-old filly in Canada in 1995 who went on to produce champion sprinter Speightstown (Gone West), passed away peacefully in her paddock Mar. 15 at Taylor Made Farm, where she had resided for the last 20 years.
Undefeated in three juvenile starts, including the Mazarine S. en route to championship honors, the Quebec-bred retired to stud in 1996 and was bred to Mill Ridge stallion Gone West. The result was Speightstown, a $2-million purchase by Eugene Melnyk out of the 1999 Keeneland July Sale, who rewarded his connections' patience with a victory in the 2004 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint and an Eclipse Award. Bred by Aaron and Marie Jones, Speightstown has since gone on to be a sire of considerable influence at WinStar Farm.
In addition to Speightstown, Silken Cat produced four other yearlings that achieved seven-figure pricetags at auction. Her seven yearlings to be offered at public auction fetched a combined $8.7 million. This past Monday, Silken Cat's youngest produce, a 2-year-old colt by Tiznow, was purchased by Dennis O'Neill for $300,000 at the OBS March Sale.
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