Leading Sire Holland Ease Dies at 25

Haras Show, breeder of Quarter Horses in Itapetininga, São Paulo, Brazil, since 1990, reported January 3 that 25-year-old stallion Holland Ease has died. The Grade 1-winning son of First Down Dash stood most of his career at Lazy E Ranch in Oklahoma before moving to Brazil last year.

The Grade 1 winner and sire was purchased last year by Haras Fazenda Bela, owned by Mr. Wellington Germano de Queiroz, and Haras Show, owned by Josimar Dantas (Babá) and his son Thyago Dantas.

"My father and I are very happy with the purchase of this phenomenal horse called Holland Ease; he is a legend in the history of the Quarter Horse world. Having this horse to use on our mares will be a great leap that is immeasurable for Haras Show. Owning a horse that has been an icon is indescribable. Today is the happiest day of our lives," Thyago Dantas said last year following the purchase.

At the track Holland Ease won six races, including the Golden State Derby (G1), while earning $361,227. In the U.S., he has sired earners of more than $12.2 million including leading living sire Corona Cartel SI 97 ($557,142), champion Holland Pass SI 106 ($178,855) and Grade 1 winners Planet Holland SI 127 ($798,885), Winners Version SI 103 ($399,057), Honor Ease SI 109 ($368,507), Dutch Schultz SI 99 ($456,668), etc.

Holland Ease is also a leading broodmare sire of 21 stakes winners that include Eyesa Jumpn SI 108 ($460,270), Feature Honor SI 106 ($161,981), Mr La Bubba SI 106 ($139,782), etc.

In Brazil, Holland Ease was honored with the slogan “Versatile Stallion” after having sired numerous foals winning in racing, barrel racing and vaquejada. For many years he was the leading 2-year-old sire in the Jockey Club de Sorocaba. He also entered the "Hall of Fame" of ABQM - Brazilian Quarter Horse Association.