12/14/2024
Champion racehorse and Lane's End Farm stalwart stallion Lemon Drop Kid has passed away at the age of 28.
Lemon Drop Kid was exceptionally well bred. He was sired by Kingmambo out of the Seattle Slew mare Charming Lassie. Charming Lassie is a half-sister to Weekend Surprise, the dam of the great A.P. Indy.
He used that pedigree to win 10 of his 24 career starts, including the Futurity (G1), Belmont Stakes (G1), Travers Stakes (G1), Brooklyn Handicap (G2), Suburban Handicap (G2), Whitney Handicap (G1), and Woodward Stakes (G1). He performed so well during his four-year-old season in 2000 that he was named Champion Older Horse.
Lemon Drop Kid returned to his birthplace of Lane's End Farm at the conclusion of his racing career to stand stud. There he sired a total of 52 graded stakes winners including the likes of Lemon Pop, Lemons Forever, and Richard's Kid. He also excelled as a broodmare sire; his daughters have produced 36 graded stakes winners and nine champions to date. His Kentucky Oaks winning daughter Lemons Forever is known for producing champion Forever Unbridled and Grade 1 winner Unbridled Forever.
Lemon Drop Kid was pensioned from stud duties in 2021 and lived the last few years of his life being loved, celebrated, and cherished at Lane's End Farm. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him, but there is comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on. 🍋
📸 A sleeping Lemon Drop Kid at Lane's End Farm in April 2024
