Champion Horse Little Current Dies 



The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 22, 2003; 6:43 PM 

MONROE, Wash. Little Current, winner of the 1974 Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, was euthanized because of an intestinal illness. 

At 32, Little Current was the oldest living winner of a Triple Crown race. That designation now is shared by two 27-year-olds: 1979 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Spectacular Bid, and that year's Belmont winner, Coastal. 

Dr. Ann Hansen, a veterinarian who has owned Little Current since 1995, said Wednesday the horse had a tumor wrapped around the intestine. He died Sunday. 

Miguel Rivera rode Little Current to the Preakness and Belmont victories, each by 7 lengths. Trained by Lou Rondinello, Little Current finished fifth in the 1974 Kentucky Derby behind winner Cannonade. 


© 2003 The Associated Press