A paddock accident has claimed the life of champion New Zealand sire Volksraad.
A stalwart at Windsor Park Stud, Volksraad topped the New Zealand sires’ list eight times between 2001/02 and the 2009/10 season.
His progeny includes 1999 Oakleigh Plate winner Dantelah and the evergreen Sir Slick, winner of six Group One races in New Zealand.
Volksraad has sired 58 stakeswinners so far with his latest Group One winner, Distill, victorious in last month’s Levin Classic.
“We have been fortunate to stand a number of champion stallions at Windsor Park and Volksraad rates among the best,” Windsor Park Stud proprietor Nelson Schick said.
“His contribution to Windsor Park and the breeding industries in New Zealand and Australia has been immense and his influence looks set to continue for many years with his daughters now proving such wonderful broodmares at stud.
“We will forever be indebted to Volksraad who was not only a great stallion but a real character and we are thankful for the journey we have enjoyed with him these past 19 years.”
AAP TURF
