Sadler’s Wells dies

One of the greatest thoroughbred stallions of all time Sadler’s Wells died on Tuesday aged 30 of natural causes at the Coolmore Stud in County Tipperary, Ireland.

Sadler’s Wells, who was also a successful racehorse when trained by the legendary Vincent O’Brien winning the Irish 2000 Guineas, and two other Group Ones the Eclipse Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes all in 1984 – was champion sire 14 times in Great Britain and Ireland.

Among the stars he sired were 1999 Arc de Triomphe champion Montjeu, 2001 Epsom Derby winner Galileo, 2002 Epsom Derby and Irish Derby winner and two-time Breeders Cup Turf conqueror High Chaparral and four-time Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats.

Coolmore Stud 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.”