Turgeon

Turgeon (1986–2019) was an American-bred, French-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. He was best known for his performances over extended distances, winning the Prix Royal-Oak and the Irish St. Leger in 1991, a year in which he was named European Champion Stayer at the Cartier Racing Awards. At stud he was particularly noted as a sire of steeplechase winners and remained active until his death aged 33. Background He was owned and bred by American George W. Strawbridge Jr., an avid ice hockey fan and a shareholder and Director of the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres. Strawbridge named the foal for the Canadian player Pierre Turgeon who was the team's 1st overall pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. From a family involved in steeplechase and flat racing, George Strawbridge Jr. maintained racing stables in France and the United States. Turgeon was prepared for racing by Chantilly-based trainer Jonathan Pease Racing career At age three Turgeon's best 1989 performances in conditions races was a win in the Group 2 Prix de l'Esperance and a second in both the Prix Royal-Oak and the Prix Kergorlay. At age four in France he showed endurance with a win in the Group 2 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier over a distance of 3,100 meters (approximately 1.92 miles), and a second in the 3,100 meters Prix de Barbeville, and third in both the 4,000 meter Prix du Cadran and in the 3,100 Prix Royal-Oak. Sent to Weidenpesch Racecourse in Cologne, Germany, he ran second in the Group I Preis von Europa.