Multiple Grade 1 winner Congaree euthanized at age 22

Congaree, who was among the fastest and most versatile horses of his generation, has been euthanized at age 22 because of the infirmities of old age.

The multiple Grade 1 winner died on Nov. 22  at Valor Farm in Texas, where he had been standing prior to being pensioned earlier this year. 

Congaree won the seven-furlong Carter, the Cigar Mile twice and the 1 1/4 mile Hollywood Gold Cup, proving he could carry his speed over any distance.

He was trained by Bob Baffert and based in California, but his ambitious campaigns brought him to 10 tracks during his career.

The son of Arazi was owned by the late owner of the Houston Texans, Bob McNair, and his wife, Janice McNair. 

“Congaree was such a special horse,” Janice McNair told Valor Farm. “I am so grateful for all the many happy memories Congaree gave us. He was so unique, and had the most loving personality. He was a delight to be around, and it was always such a thrill to watch him run. Congaree was truly the horse of a lifetime for us.”

Congaree became a fan favorite while racing from age 2 to 6. He won the 2001 Wood Memorial before placing third in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness as a 3-year-old, and he improved as he got older, capturing a total of five Grade 1 races. He won 12 of 25 starts while racing at the highest level throughout his career.

“He was just a special horse,” Baffert said. “We had gotten to know the McNairs after training Chilukki for them, but it was through Congaree that we really got to know the whole family, and we made some great memories. Congaree was a really fast horse, and could carry his speed. His Kentucky Derby performance was one of the best, he set a blistering pace for the mile and hung in gamely. Another race that stands out in my memory was his Hollywood Gold Cup win in 2003. He just destroyed the competition. We raced all over the country with him, and it was just so much fun to show up with a horse like Congaree.

“First time I saw him, he really caught my eye,” Baffert continued. “I was looking at all these well-bred yearlings at Stonerside and saw him in a paddock nearby, and I said ‘Wow, can I take that chestnut? I’ll trade you back one of these Danzigs for him.’ He didn’t have the most perfect conformation, but he made up for it with heart. He was a real noble horse, sweet, kind, just a great personality.”

He was retired to stud at Adena Springs in Kentucky and was later moved to New York before eventually winding up close to the McNairs in Texas. Congaree sired 13 stakes winners, including six graded or group winners. Some of his highlights as a sire include the Irish filly Maoineach and Grade 1 winners Jeranimo, Don’t Tell Sophia and Killer Graces. 

“Congaree had so much class,” said Ken Carson, general manager of Valor Farm. “He was a pleasure to be around, an easy-going horse who certainly loved his mints.”