The stallion Zarbyev died Friday, April 21, 2017, at Chad and Pat White Farms in Benton. The chestnut was 33 years old.

The stakes placed son of Nureyev out of the Blushing Groom mare, Grand Bonheur stood his entire stud career in Louisiana. Zarbyev entered stud in 1989 at William and Pat Borhem’s Foxwood Plantation in Belcher.

To date, he has sired 303 starters, 211 winners (70%) with total progeny earnings of $16,948,152. His progeny earnings place him among the all time leading sires in Louisiana. Zarbyev sired 12 black type winners, including five Louisiana-bred Champions. His top runners include G2 Arkansas Derby SW Zarb’s Magic who won 8 stakes while earning $893,946, as well as 1996 3YO Louisiana Bred Champion Colt or Gelding honors. Zarb’s Magic’s earnings rank him eleventh among all time Leading Louisiana Bred money earners.

Additionally he is the sire of notable winners multiple stakes winners Zarb’s Luck ($647,744, 2003 4YO & Up Louisiana Bred Champion Male); Zarb’s Dahar ($586,695, 2005 4YO & Up Louisiana Bred Champion Male); Zarb’s Ballerina ($495,440); Zarbycat ($457,729, 1993 3YO Louisiana Bred Champion Colt or Gelding); Ladyzarbridge ($437,714); Silky Zarb ($404,332); Screen Idol ($283,986); St. Zarb ($264,810, 2007 3YO Colt or Gelding), etc.

Zarbyev concluded his career at Chad and Pat White Farms where he will be fondly remembered.