Epsom Derby Winner, International Sire North Light Dies At Age 23

North Light, the winner of the 2004 Epsom Derby and a stallion in the U.S., Canada, and England, has died due to complications from laminitis, Racing Post reports. 

The 23-year-old son of Danehill had been residing at Adena Springs South in Ocala, Fla., since his pensioning in 2020, and he will be buried at the farm.

An Irish-born homebred for Ballymacoll Stud, North Light won three of seven starts and earned $1,989,577. His strongest season came at age three when won the Group 2 Dante Stakes ahead of his victory as one of the favorites in the Epsom Derby. He then followed up with a runner-up effort in the Irish Derby.

After his retirement from racing, a majority interest in North Light was purchased by Frank Stronach, and the horse entered stud at his Adena Springs Farm in Kentucky. He stood there for five years before being relocated to Adena Springs North in Ontario Canada, where he resided for three seasons before being leased to stand at Lanwades Stud in England.

North Light returned to Ontario for a final season at stud in 2019 before being pensioned.

His leading runners include 2010 English St. Leger winner Arctic Cosmos, Grade 2 winner Celtic New Year, and Grade 3 winner Chips All In.

Read more at Racing Post.