Early Voting, Preakness Stakes Winner and Rising Stallion Prospect in the US, Dies

The son of Gun Runner was just 7 years old and had to be euthanized as a result of an irreversible case of colic. He was standing at Taylor Made Stallions, where he had launched his stallion career with outstanding results, including a G1winner from his freshman crop

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— The American breeding industry received an as unexpected as painful piece of news this Tuesday: Early Voting, winner of the 2022 Preakness Stakes (G1) and one of Kentucky's most promising young sires, died at age 7 as a consequence of acute, irreversible colic.

The news was confirmed via a statement by his owner, Dr. Padraig O'Casaigh, who explained that, given the severity of the condition and the impossibility of recovery, the decision was made to humanely euthanize the stallion.

A son of Gun Runner, Early Voting stood at Taylor Made Stallions, where he had generated immense expectations following the early achievements of his progeny.

His freshman crop hit the track during 2026 and quickly began displaying ability, highlighted most notably by G1winner Miss Monica, who helped establish him among the season's most intriguing freshman sires.

Market confidence in his future was reflected in his announced 2027 fee, when he was slated to stand for $50,000.

His passing thus cuts short a breeding career that was just beginning to reveal its vast potential and promised to solidify in coming seasons.

Early Voting reached his highest racing glory in 2022, when he captured the Preakness Stakes (G1), the second leg of the American Triple Crown.

That victory placed him among the premier colts of his generation and allowed him to enter stud backed by both a top-class race record and a deeply attractive pedigree.

As a son of Gun Runner, one of North American breeding's most influential stallions, Early Voting offered a vital option for breeders looking to tap into that sire line.

The start of his stallion career had only reinforced those expectations. The emergence of Miss Monica as a top-level G1 winner in his very first crop provided an encouraging sign of his ability to pass on talent.

For this reason, his death represents a major loss not only for his owners and Taylor Made, but also for the breeders who had invested in his services.

In the statement released Tuesday, O'Casaigh reflected on both his athletic prowess and his disposition: “This extraordinary freshman sire will be remembered not only for his tremendous racing achievements, but also for his loving and affectionate personality,” he stated.

The owner also offered a thought on the legacy that remains following his passing: “He loved being a star, and now he will live on through his extraordinary offspring,” he noted.

Finally, he expressed special gratitude to the staff at Taylor Made Stallions for their devotion throughout the horse's time at the farm: “I want to extend my gratitude to everyone at Taylor Made for the affection and care they gave our beloved EV,” he declared.

Early Voting left far too soon, just as his first crop was beginning to compete and the initial results hinted at a bright future.

His victory in the Preakness stands as the crowning achievement of his racing campaign. Now, it will be up to his sons and daughters to carry forward a story cut short by tragedy just as his second career was getting underway.