Legendary thoroughbred Bold Pilot dies

 

Atman Stable’s legendary champion racehorse Bold Pilot, one of the most successful thoroughbreds ever in Turkey and record holder of Gazi Derby, died April 30 at the age of 22.

 

Bold Pilot made his final appearance as a farewell at Veliefendi Racecourse on 2013 Gazi Derby Day and thousands of people applauded to honor him.

 

 

Bold Pilot (Persian Bold - Rosa Palumba)

 

2-year-old campaign

 

Bold Pilot started his racing career with an impressive from last to first win in Asuvan Stakes on May 28, 1995. After making 2 for 2 in Burhan Karamehmet Stakes, he came second both in II. Inonu and Tay Deneme Stakes because of pre-start problems and breaking slowly fom the gate. Then, he was back at the winner circle in Queen Elizabeth II International Stakes.

 

Bold Pilot finished second again behind of his main rival Beretta in TYAYSD Stakes. After that, he won the G1 Çaldıran Stakes, most prestigious race for the 2-year-old thoroughbreds, in front of Beretta. Finally, he won the G2 Sakarya Stakes and became 2-year-old champion colt of 1995.

 

 

3-year-old campaign and Gazi Derby

 

Bold Pilot started to his 3-year-old campaign with crossing the finish line first in Ergin Talay Stakes. Then, he won the Turkish 2000 Guineas, first leg of Triple Crown series. After winning a G2 race, he won the 70th Gazi Derby, most prestigious race for 3-year-olds. He covered the 1 1/2 miles in 2.26.22 and he is still the record holder of Gazi Derby with his incredible degree.

 

Click to watch the 70th Gazi Derby

 

After Bold Pilot won the G3 Mimar Sinan Stakes, he beat the older thoroughbreds of country in G1 Prime Minister Stakes. On September 15, 1996, thousands of people cheered for him and Bold Pilot won the G2 International Bosphorus Cup with an amazing homestretch performance in front of Galtee. In October of 1996, he won the G1 Ankara Stakes (Turkish St. Leger) and became 7th Turkish Triple Crown winner after Sadettin (1970), Minimo (1971), Karayel (1973), Seren. 1 (1983), Uğurtay (1985), Hafız (1986).

 

After his incredible 11-race win streak, Bold Pilot came 6th in the G1 Presidency Cup, final race of his 3-year-old campaign.

 

4-year-old campaign

 

6 months after his disappointment in the Presidency Cup, legend came back on May 1997. Bold Pilot won the TSYD Stakes, first race of his 4-year-old campaign. After that, he crossed the finish line at first place in 3 Grade 2 races (19 Mayıs, İsmet İnönü, Fevzi Çakmak Stakes) in a row. After coming third at Celal Bayar Stakes, he was victorious again in the G1 Prime Minister Stakes. The champ couldn’t beat his 2 guest rivals (Strategic Choice & Aristid) in 1997 Bosphorus Cup but he was back at the winner circle of G1 Jockey Club of Turkey Stakes. Bold Pilot came fourth in G1 Presidency Cup, the final race of his 4-year-old campaign.

 

5-year-old campaign

 

On May 23 of 1998, Bold Pilot came to the track as a 5-year-old. He came second in G2 İsmet İnönü Stakes but we saw him in the winner circle of G2 Fevzi Çakmak Stakes. Legendary champion racehorse attended to the G1 Prime Minister Stakes and he finished fourth in his final race ever.

 

Halis Karataş, who has won over 5000 races in his career and one of the best Turkish jockeys of all time, rode Bold Pilot in all but four races and won 21 of them. Bold Pilot won his 4 races under the guidance of jockey Akın Özdeniz.

 

After his successful racing career, Bold Pilot sired 12 winners from 35 runners. His progenies raced 400 times, won 22 races and has earned 934.420 TL so far. Stakes winners Sun Patch, Sassari and 5-race winner Chiavenesca are among Bold Pilot's progenies.