Cryptoclearance, one of the top runners of his generation and a top sire of more than 40 stakes winners, died at Rood and Riddle Equine Clinic in Lexington, Ky., Sept. 24. The 25-year-old horse died from a heart attack stemming from complications following colic surgery.

A son of Fappiano out of the Hoist the Flag mare Naval Orange, Cryptoclearnace was owned by Phil Teinowitz and was trained by Hall of Famer Scotty Schulhofer. Revered as being a strong closer, he won 12 of 44 starts and placed 17 times (16 in stakes) in a four-season racing career and earned more than $3.3 million.

He was a four-time grade I winner, taking the Florida Derby at 3 and the Pegasus, Widener, and Donn Handicaps as an older horse. A member of the vintage crop of colts from 1984, he ran in all three Triple Crown events, finishing fourth behind Alysheba, Bet Twice, and Avie’s Copy as the fourth choice in the Kentucky Derby; third behind Alysheba and Bet Twice as the second choice in the Preakness; and second behind Bet Twice as the second choice in the Belmont Stakes. Later that year he ran second to Java Gold in the Travers.

“On behalf of Dr. Ira Mersack, Dr. Joseph and Lynn Fowler, myself, and all of the staff at Margaux, we want to send our condolences to Phil Teinowitz and to all of the fans who have appreciated and supported Cryptoclearance during his lifetime,” said Steve Johnson, managing partner of Margaux Farm, in a statement