Racehorse rescued from Kansas slaughter is euthanized

A prize-winning racehorse that was rescued from a Kansas slaughterhouse in 2008 has been euthanized at a thoroughbred retirement home in Kentucky.

Clever Allemont, the 1985 Rebel Stakes winner, was euthanized Monday after suffering from colic at the age of 32, according to a news release from Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky.

Several horse lovers saved the animal in 2008 after a dealer saw him in a slaughter buyer’s pen in Lyon County, Kan., and called a rescue organization. The organization Fans of Barbaro raised funds to buy the horse, and he was moved to a ranch in Williamsburg, Kan., before being sent to Old Friends in 2009.

The horse won his first six races, including the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. He was trained by famed trainer D. Wayne Lukas and ridden by popular jockeys Angel Cordero and Pat Day. He was being touted for the Kentucky Derby when he hurt his hoof and was retired to stud.

He sired 167 foals, 125 starters, with 72 progeny winning more than $1 million. He also sired American Quarter Horse Association, show jumper and dressage progeny.

Clever Allemont was one Old Friends’ most popular retirees, receiving birthday cards from all over the world, the organization said.

This story was originally published May 29, 2014 at 7:17 PM with the headline "Racehorse rescued from Kansas slaughter is euthanized."