In a stud career stretching 20 years, and despite standing for as little as $2,500 early in his career, Silver Hawk established himself as a renowned international sire by the late 1980’s. In 1989 he was represented by Group I winner and European Highweight LADY IN SILVER and the multiple US Grade I winner HAWKSTER. His stud fee would pinnacle at $75,000 in the late 1990’s based on his continued success in the US, Europe and Japan. Averaging just over 40 foals per crop, Silver Hawk was represented by no fewer than 15 Grade/Group I winners, including Epsom Derby winner BENNY THE DIP, US Grade I winners MEMORIES OF SILVER, WONDER AGAIN, SILVER ENDING, RED BISHOP, HAWK ATTACK and the late NASHOBA’S KEY from his 2nd to last crop.
Other standouts include four time Grade I European winner MUTAFAWEQ and Japanese Champion GRASS WONDER. As an emerging broodmare sire, his daughters have already produced 5 Grade/Group I winners in ASI SIEMPRE, TICKER TAPE, CASTLEDALE, English Group I winner and world record breaking broodmare purchase PLAYFUL ACT and multiple Japanese Group I winner BLACK HAWK. Millionaire, BADGE OF SILVER, himself standing his second season at Airdrie Stud, is out of the Silver Hawk mare Silveroo. To date, Silver Hawk has sired no less than 70 stakes winners and the earners of more than $56 million.
Bret Jones of Airdrie Stud said, “I really can’t begin to tell you what Silver Hawk meant for Airdrie Stud. In the early 90’s when the market was down and times were tough, I think it is fair to say that Silver Hawk kept our doors open. He was a real godsend for us and we owe him a lifetime of gratitude. He will always be very special to every member of the Airdrie family. He stood with us for 25 years and really was the face of the farm. Our stallion manager Kelly McDaniel, who started with us at just about the same time as Silver Hawk took wonderful care of him literally until his last breath. We have certainly been very fortunate to have success with several young stallions, but it really all started with Silver Hawk. He was the king of that barn until the very end and was as tough as they come. When STEVIE WONDERBOY was paraded in the barn for the first time in early July last year, Silver Hawk wheeled in his stall and double barreled the stall door when he walked by. He was as smart as he was tough, and our young studs have a tough act to follow.”
Silver Hawk was pensioned in 2004 and lived the remainder of his life in the Airdrie Stud stallion barn. He is buried directly beside the barn he called home for 25 years.
