Leading US second-season sire Black Mambo was put down last week after succumbing from a severe case of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.  He was 10.

Black Mambo (Kingmambo – Lassie’s Lady by Alydar) was based at Bridlewood Farm in Florida.  “Black Mambo contracted EPM in June,” Bridlewood general manager George Isaacs explained.  “It’s an insidious disease.  He fought valiantly but was not able to recover from the damage caused by the parasite.”

Black Mambo is a half-brother to Bengalla Stud stallion Bite the Bullet (Spectacular Bid) whose son Sniper’s Bullet has just completed a G1 double in the WATC Railway Stakes and WATC Kingston Town Classic.  He is also a full brother to the dam of Coolmore shuttler Duke of Marmalade (Danehill).

Black Mambo began his career in Ireland after Demi O’Byrne purchased him on behalf of Susan Magnier for US $1.10 million at the 2000 Keeneland September yearling sale.  He made one start for trainer Aidan O’Brien and returned to the United States as a three-year-old.

Under the guidance of Randy Schulhofer, he won three races and earned black-type when placed in the Reappeal Stakes at Calder.

Black Mambo has sired 40 winners so far this year for earnings of US $1.21 million.