The Japanese breeding industry has suffered another big loss with the death of champion sire King Kamehameha.
The 18-year-old stallion died at Shadai Stallion Station on August 10, just two weeks after the passing of the revered sire Deep Impact.
King Kamehameha, a son of Kingmambo, had been suffering from a failing immune system for several months. He was retired from active duty earlier this year.
Shadai Stallion Station announced that his body temperature rose dangerously and his condition deteriorated rapidly on Friday night.
King Kamehameha, a Japanese Derby winner, was bred by Northern Farm from the Last Tycoon mare Manfath, dam of the Santa Anita Derby winner The Deputy.
He is the sire of 12 G1 winners including champion sprinter Lord Kanaloa, sire of Japan's current champion mare Almond Eye.
King Kamehameha's other progeny include the classic winners Apapane, Duramente and Rey De Oro and Hong Kong G1 victor Rulership among 55 Group winners and 23 Listed winners.
