Doneryle Cote, a well-known horse at Old Friends and a beloved competitor, has died at the age of 30, according to a social media post from the senior living facility in Georgetown, Kentucky. This son of Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown champion, arrived at the ranch in December 2019.
Bred in Kentucky by John and Betty Mabee, Doneryle Cote was a multiple graded stakes victor out of Sophisticated Girl, a mare by Stop the Music. Trained by Nick Zito and owned by Michael Taber and Mrs. John Magnier, he was purchased for $1 million at the 1997 Keeneland July Select Yearling Sale.
Over 16 starts, Doneryle Cote recorded 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 2 thirds, earning a total of $361,410. His notable achievements include winning the 1998 Nashua Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct and the 1999 Jerome Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park. As a three-year-old, he also placed second in the 1999 Holy Bull Stakes (G2), third in the Tampa Bay Derby (L), and second in the Dwyer Stakes (G2).
After beginning his stud career in 2000 at Buck Pond Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, Doneryle Cote became a widely traveled stallion, spending four years there with alternating seasons in Chile. During this time, he sired Cocoa Beach (CHI), Chile’s 2008 Horse of the Year and a U.S. Grade 1 winner. Cocoa Beach earned victories in the Beldame Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park and the UAE 1000 Guineas at Meydan, placed second in the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (G1) at Santa Anita, and is also the sire of Belmont Place, champion sprinter in Chile for 2008.
Doneryle Cote also stood at Hill & Dale Farm, Stonewall Farm Stallions, Hallmark Stallions at Stonewall Farm Ocala in Florida, and Dove Hill Farm in Minnesota during his stud tenure.
Among his other prominent offspring are Ariège, winner of the 2008 Santa Anita Oaks (G1), as well as Noble Court and Sporting Art, who placed in stakes races.
When he retired to Old Friends, Doneryle Cote had sired 24 stakes winners and two champions.
This piece was first published by Paulick Report on January 31, 2026, within their Horse Care section.
Fan Take: Doneryle Cote’s passing marks the loss of a stallion who left a significant legacy both on the track and in breeding barns worldwide. For horse racing enthusiasts, his contributions highlight the importance of strong bloodlines and international influence in maintaining the sport’s competitive spirit and global reach.
