Millionaire Master Command was euthanized Tuesday, April 13 following an injury sustained after rearing and losing his balance prior to his afternoon breeding session on Monday. Master Command was taken to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital following the injury, but his condition did not improve. He resided at Taylor Made Stallions near Nicholasville, Kentucky, and was the property of a syndicate.

“It’s tough to lose any horse. But it’s particularly tough to lose a young stallion like Master Command, who had so much potential,” said Ben Taylor, Vice President of Taylor Made Stallions. “This is a big loss for the breeders, shareholders, the farm and everyone involved.”

A grand-looking chestnut son of A.P. Indy, Master Command was standing his third season at Taylor Made Stallions, where he bred 127 mares in 2008 and 134 mares in 2009.

“Master Command was tremendously popular,” said Taylor. “We’ve seen nothing but great things from his first crop of yearlings, and we’re looking forward to them selling this year.”

Raced in the colors of Aaron & Marie Jones, Master Command was a five-time graded stakes winner of $1,137,188. Trained by Todd Pletcher, he scored his biggest victories in the Meadowlands Breeders’ Cup Stakes (G2) and New Orleans Handicap (G2).

Master Command is out of the Lord At War (Arg) mare Lady Lochinvar, and he was purchased by the Joneses for $650,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select yearling sale.