Racing:One of the sport's greatest stallions, Sadler's Wells, died peacefully at Coolmore Stud in Co Tipperary this afternoon at the age of 30
A son of Northern Dancer, Sadler’s Wells was bred in Kentucky by Robert Sangster’s Swettenham Stud. Trained by Vincent O'Brien he had a successful racing career as a three-year-old in 1984 when he won the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial, the Irish 2,000 Guineas, the Eclipse Stakes and the inaugural Phoenix Champion Stakes.
He also finished second in the Prix du Jockey Club and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Retired to stud that year, Sadler’s Wells went on to be the leading sire in England and Ireland a record-breaking 14 times, including 13 years in succession (1992-2004). And retired from stud in May 2008.
He has sired 323 stakes winners to date, while his offspring have also won a record six Breeders’ Cup events.
Coolmore manager Christy Grassick said: “He was undoubtedly the best sire Europe has ever seen and through his sons Galileo, Montjeu, High Chaparral and Yeats along with grandsons Hurricane Run and Rip Van Winkle he has left a wonderful legacy at Coolmore and his influence looks set to continue for many years to come. We all feel privileged to have been involved with such a special horse.”
Ben Sangster, son of the late Robert, said: “It’s the end of an era. It is the most phenomenal record for any horse to be champion sire 14 times a record that is likely to remain unequalled.
“His legacy will live on through his sons and daughters and their sons and daughters.”