R.I.P. John's Call · 20.02.10

John’s Call, a former steeplechaser and later Grade 1 stakes-winner, was euthanized on 18 February after fracturing his right front leg in a field accident at trainer Tom Voss’ farm near Monkton, Maryland. The chestnut gelding, by Lord at War out of Calling Guest, was 19.

Named for bloodstock agent John Stuart, who recommended the horse to Douglas Joyce, John’s Call raced for Joyce’s Trillium Stable, and was at his best racing at longer distances. His most successful year was 2000, when at age 9 he won the Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (G1), Sword Dancer Invitational Handicap (G1), before finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). He also set a Delaware Park turf course record for 1 1/2 miles in winning the Cape Henlopen Stakes. He retired the following year with a 40-16-11-3 mark over seven seasons of racing, having earned $1,571,080.

Following his retirement, John’s Call served as Voss’ stable pony. Saratoga also named a stayers’ turf stakes in his honor, and he led the post parade for “his” race last year. In addition, John’s Call’s 2000 race record earned him Left Coast Racing’s retrospective Champion Stayer Award for that year.

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