Mr Speaker, a Grade 1-winning stallion and Texas sire, died suddenly at age 15 from an aortic aneurysm just a week after being purchased by owner and veterinarian Dr. Alfred Vardeman. Previously standing at Forks of the Paluxy in Texas, Mr Speaker had a notable racing career with graded stakes wins and sired multiple stakes winners, including the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes winner Speech. Despite early promise, his stud career faced challenges, including a tick-borne disease that caused him to miss a North American breeding season and a decline in mare bookings before being acquired by the Collinsworths, who later sold him to Vardeman as they closed their breeding operation.

Vardeman had high hopes to build on Mr Speaker’s legacy, owning several of his progeny and planning to continue breeding, but the stallion’s sudden death was a devastating blow. Mr Speaker’s progeny have earned over $14.6 million worldwide, and he was seen as a valuable asset to Texas breeders. Vardeman reflected on the unpredictability of the business, expressing deep sadness but determination to persevere despite the loss.