Dual Australian Royal Ascot winning sprinter and sire Choisir has died
Choisir, who opened the eyes of the English at Royal Ascot to the ability of Australian sprinters, has died aged 22.
The son of Danehill Dancer was a pioneer for future Australian-trained sprinters when he headed to the UK under the care of his Newcastle conditioner Paul Perry in 2003 to claim the King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) and the Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m) double at the Royal Ascot meeting.
He later went on to finish second in the July Cup at Newmarket before being retired to stud where he stood at Coolmore in Ireland and Australia.
Prior to leaving Australian shores, Choisir had won the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington and finished second in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Flemington.
In all, Choisir raced on 23 occasions, registering seven wins, collecting more than $2.25 million in prize money.
As a sire Choisir produced 100 stakes-winners in 12 countries with 11 Group 1 winners throughout the world, including Starspangledbanner who followed his sire’s feat of claiming the Golden Jubilee Stakes.
Coolmore Australia Principal Tom Magnier said he was lucky enough to be at the Royal meeting to watch Choisir win the double at Ascot when ridden by Johnny Murtagh.
“It was a great achievement for his trainer Paul Perry, and it paved the way for future Australian sprinters to compete with distinction on the world stage,” Magnier said.
“Since he retired to the farm in 2003, he has been a favourite with all those who have worked with him, especially our long time Stallion Manager Gerry Ryan who was particularly fond of him.
“Choisir was the ultimate professional in all he did and every Stud dreams of having a stallion like him.
“We are so grateful to him, and he will be sorely missed by the entire Coolmore team.”
