Bayern, the Controversial Winner of the 2014 Breeders' Cup Classic, Passes Away

The son of Offlee Wild was 15 years old and had been standing at stud in South Korea, where he passed away due to complications following emergency surgery. He remains one of the most widely remembered horses of his generation, having gone on to sire 11 stakes winners during his second career stallion duties

Along the rail, Bayern outduels Toast of New York (center) and California Chrome (outside) in the 2014 Classic BREEDERS' CUP

Bayern, widely remembered for his highly controversial victory in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), passed away on July 5 at Great Hill Farm in South Korea due to complications following emergency surgery for a hernia. He was 15 years old.

According to reports from the stud farm where he stood, the son of Offlee Wild developed a severe case of colitis following the surgical procedure. Despite the exhaustive efforts of the veterinary team, who utilized every available medical alternative, he was ultimately humanely euthanized.

"His extraordinary presence, his calm gaze, and the impressive power of his stride on the racetrack can never be replaced," the farm expressed in an emotional statement shared on social media, further highlighting their hope that his offspring will continue to carry his legacy forward on the track.

Bred in Kentucky by Helen Alexander, Bayern was acquired for $320,000 at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale by Ed Savant. Racing in the colors of Kaleem Shah and under the care of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, he put together a top-level racing career that included victories in the Woody Stephens Stakes (G2), the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1), the Pennsylvania Derby (G2), and his defining triumph in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).

It was precisely that victory at Santa Anita Park that became permanently etched in racing memory due to an incident at the break. Bayern veered sharply to the left as the gates opened, severely impeding Shared Belief (Candy Ride), who in turn slammed into Moreno (Ghostzapper), one of the main contenders. Following a lengthy stewards' inquiry, the result was sustained, allowing Bayern to keep the victory by a mere nose over Toast of New York (Thewayyouare), with California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) completing the trifecta just another neck back.

He retired to stud with six victories from 15 lifetime starts and earnings of $4,454,930, initially launching his stallion career at Hill 'n' Dale Farms. In 2021, he was exported to South Korea, where his breeding career received a significant boost through the deeds of Raon the Fighter, crowned champion miler in 2022 and champion sprinter in 2023.

Throughout his time at stud, Bayern sired 11 stakes winners, including four graded or group stakes winners, with his progeny accumulating more than $20 million in earnings, consolidating a legacy that extended far beyond that unforgettable and fiercely debated Breeders' Cup afternoon.