Danehill loss a huge blow
The breeding industry suffered a huge blow when top sire Danehill was fatally injured in an accident at Coolmore Stud.
The 17-year-old stallion was being hand-grazed in his paddock when the accident happened, according to a Coolmore statement.
Coolmore manager Christy Grassick said: “Danehill was a phenomenal stallion and will be a big loss to the breeding industry worldwide.
“Alternative mating plans are being arranged for the shareholders and clients whose mares are not yet in foal.”
Danehill was the leading sire of Pattern-race winners in Europe last year with 13 winners of 24 races, knocking another Coolmore inmate, Sadler’s Wells, off top spot after a reign of six consecutive years.
He was also second to Sadler’s Wells in the table of leading sires in Britain and Ireland based on prize money won, and was the leading British or Irish-based sire for winners worldwide.
The most prolific of his progeny last season was the brilliant miler Rock Of Gibraltar, who won five times at Group One level in the colours of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.
Danehill was a stud phenomenon in Australia before he achieved star status in Europe, siring top-class horses from the start of his shuttle career in New South Wales.
He had a season in Japan in 1996, but on his return to Ireland began to produce results in Europe just as outstanding as those on the other side of the world.
He was even better at stud than on the track, where he raced in the colours of Khalid Abdullah and won four of his nine races, including a Group One victory in the Sprint Cup at Haydock Park in 1989. He was also third behind Nashwan in the 2000 Guineas.
His victories as a stallion continued right up to last weekend, when he was responsible for the first two home in the French 2000 Guineas, Clodovil and Catcher In The Rye.
His first sons at stud are already making a big impression, led by Danehill Dancer, who was the leading second-season sire in Europe last year.
Philip Freedman, chairman of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, said: “It’s a huge loss to the breeding industry, both here and in Ireland.
“I suppose at least there are some of his sons at stud already and maybe one of those can carry his line on, but obviously there is no guarantee they would be as good as him.
“He probably did it the hard way, not starting with books of the best mares, but that may mean some of the best mares have gone to him recently, so the best may still be to come.”
