Pensioned Hill ‘n’ Dale Stallion Stormy Atlantic Dies At 32

Stormy Atlantic (Storm Cat–Hail Atlantis, by Seattle Slew) has passed away from the infirmities of old age at 32.

Retired from the track with 15 starts, six wins and earnings of over $148,000, Stormy Atlantic initially stood stud in Florida at Bridlewood Farm in 1999 where he would become Florida’s champion freshman sire. His success in Florida ultimately gave him a chance in Kentucky and Stormy Atlantic joined the roster at John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale in 2003 where he stood until pensioned at the age of 27 in 2021.

“Stormy Atlantic was hugely important to our fledgling stallion operation,” Sikura said. “I loved his pedigree and he rewarded everyone associated with his stallion career. A moderate stakes winner, he sired more than 100 stakes winners, was champion 2-year-old sire and twice top-10 on the general sire list. He sired multiple champions and his progeny were equally adept in dirt and turf. He is an important broodmare sire and has influenced the breed in a great way. We are indebted to what he did for Hill ‘n’ Dale.”

All told, he sired 112 stakes winners and 48 individual graded stakes winners led by the likes of MGISW Get Stormy and 2018 Eclipse Champion Turf Male Stormy Liberal, one of seven champions Stormy Atlantic sired across the globe.

“It is with sadness that we report that Stormy Atlantic passed away peacefully ironically on a stormy afternoon Monday due to the infirmities of the old age of 32,” said Bridlewood Farm’s George Isaacs. “When I became General Manager of Bridlewood in 1996, Stormy Atlantic was a 2-year-old and I remember looking at his pedigree and telling myself if we can get lucky, this guy will leave his mark on the breed. With him being champion freshmen sire, over 100 stakes winners, and a successful broodmare sire, suffice to say he did. I set a goal that he would hopefully be leading freshmen sire here in Florida, and that would give me the momentum to hopefully move him to Kentucky to give him the opportunity that he deserved. Thankfully, John Sikura shared my vision and through his super management, Stormy elevated both of our operations and solidified an enduring friendship and respect for one another. I will be forever grateful to Stormy Atlantic for the important impact he made on the success of our operation for many years. As horsemen we all know, it’s these special horses that take us to the heights we are shooting for! Stormy Atlantic has already been laid to rest in the Bridlewood Farm cemetery.”