Diablo's Sire put down

YOUNG GUN DEAD AT 19

Young Gun, the 1988 son of Freckles Playboy out of the legendary mare, Lenaette, the winner of the 1975 NCHA Futurity sired by Doc O’Lena, died in a tragic accident on Dec. 18 when he broke his leg while he was cast in his stall and had to be euthanized. The stallion was bred and owned by Terry and Sharon Riddle, Wynnewood, Okla.

Ridden by Terry, the stallion had $34,750 in lifetime earnings. His largest paycheck of $15,437 came from the championship of the 1992 Bonanza 4-Year-Old Open. However, showing the signs of a great sire, he outbred himself, siring 210 money earners, which won close to $3 million. His offspring winning the most money was a 1994 Paint gelding, Big Gun (P), out of Ladys Son Ofa Doc by Son Ofa Doc, with earnings of $229,219 (according to www.robinglenn.com). He also sired Young Gun Classic, a 1994 gelding out of Juanitas Classic by Docs Classic, with $162,715 in lifetime earnings.

Young Guns Babe, a 1997 daughter of Lizzielena by Doc O’Lena, won $146,664 and Miss Kitty Wilson, a 1994 mare out of Wilsons Gay Jewel by Doc Wilson, won $116,779. Other greats include Malenas Gun,$97,374, Hesa Magnum PI, $87,214, Young Rey Gun, $86,490, Young N Freckless, $83,691 and Miss Toot N Shoot, $81,426.

Young Gun is also a leading maternal grandsire. In 2006, he was listed 23rd by Equi-Stat for maternal grandsires, with grandbabies earning over $250,000. He was the sire of the dams of Woody B Gun Shy, $207,334 and Livin Lavida Loca, $83,482. QHN rated him the 31st leading cutting sire over the past five years, with 126 offspring earning over $1,164,147.

Young Gun was buried on the Riddle Ranch, alongside his dam, Lenaette.