Silver Spurs Equine lost a legend with the passing of NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Conquistador Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Sugarita Chex).
In 2011, Conquistador Whiz became the first-ever third-generation NRHA Million Dollar Sire, following the path of his sire, Topsail Whiz, and grandsire, Topsail Cody. Just four years later, the 1995 stallion added another accolade to his credentials when his progeny pushed him past two million in offspring earnings. To date, his 398 foals have collected more than $2,451,000 in combined NRHA Lifetime Earnings (LTE). Most notably, Conquistador Whiz sired 2005 NRHA Open Futurity champion KR Lil Conquistador, a 2002 gelding out of Smart Little Prize who earned more than $422,000 LTE during his career with NRHA Six Million Dollar rider Shawn Flarida and owners Jeff and Cheree Kirkbride.
Before retiring to the breeding shed, Conquistador Whiz earned just over $100,000 LTE in his own right with NRHA Professionals Duane Latimer and Tom McCutcheon in the saddle. With Latimer, he claimed victories in the 2000 National Reining Breeders Classic Level (L)4 Open Derby and the 2000 NRHA Derby L4 Open, among other titles. In 2002, he competed with McCutcheon at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, helping earn the team gold and netting the individual silver medal.
After being purchased by Silver Spurs Equine in 2008, Conquistador Whiz stood at sire at the ranch’s headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our condolences to Michael and Michelle Miola of Silver Spurs and all of Conquistador Whiz’s connections on the loss of this tremendous stallion.
Photos by John Brasseaux