Daredevil, the stallion who found glory after departing for Turkey, has died

He was 14 years old and standing at stud in Izmit. Winner of the Champagne Stakes (G1), he sired champions Swiss Skydiver and Shedaresthedevil, stars of an extraordinary 2020 season that prompted his temporary return to the United States

ISTANBUL, Turkey (Special for Turf Diario).— The story of Daredevil as a stallion featured one of those twists breeding so often delivers. Before his first crops had shown their full potential, he was sold to Turkey. Just months later, two of his daughters proved that the United States had let a significant sire slip away far too soon.

Daredevil passed away on Thursday, September 10 in Turkey at the age of 14, as reported by the Jockey Club of that nation. The cause of death was not disclosed.

A son of More Than Ready, he showcased early speed and quality right from the start of his abbreviated racing campaign. Trained by Todd Pletcher for Let's Go Stable, he broke his maiden at age 2 and immediately confirmed high expectations by capturing the Champagne Stakes (G1) in 2014 in only his second start.

His track career proved brief. WinStar Farm and China Horse Club subsequently joined his ownership group, and Daredevil was retired at the conclusion of his 3-year-old season with 2 victories from 5 starts and $424,600 in earnings.

His second career began at WinStar Farm, though he was not given much time to establish himself there initially either. In 2019, while his first crop were just 2-year-olds, he was sold to the Jockey Club of Turkey.

The extraordinary unfolded right after.

During 2020, Swiss Skydiver and Shedaresthedevil completely transformed the perception of their sire. Both dominated much of the 3-year-old filly division and staged an unforgettable exactor for Daredevil in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Shedaresthedevil took that contest, leaving Swiss Skydiver 1 1/2 lengths back in second. But the latter still had an even greater feat in store.

Four weeks later, within a calendar heavily disrupted by the pandemic, Swiss Skydiver tackled males in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and defeated Authentic (Into Mischief), who was coming off a victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1). That campaign culminated in her crowning as Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.

The impact was so massive that Daredevil made the reverse journey. After just one breeding season in Turkey while still owned by the country's Jockey Club, he returned to the United States in 2021 to stand at Lane's End.

He remained there for four seasons before returning to Turkey, where he had been standing at Izmit Stallion Stationsince 2025.

His overall figures reflect the scope of his influence. Up to the time of his passing, Daredevil had sired 194 winners, 10 stakes winners, and accumulated more than $21,000,000 in progeny earnings.

Yet, no statistic captures his legacy quite like that 2020 season. Just as his future seemed permanently detached from Kentucky, Shedaresthedevil and Swiss Skydiver brought him straight back into the spotlight.

Daredevil had departed too soon. His daughters made sure he returned.