Black Caviar’s sire Bel Esprit dies

Victoria has farewelled one of its most influential stallions with the passing of Bel Esprit at the age of 26 at Widden Stud’s Victorian base.

The revered sire succumbed to old age, drawing to a close a career that encompassed racetrack excellence and a profound legacy in the breeding barn.

Prepared by John Symons, Bel Esprit was the standout Victorian juvenile of the autumn of 2002. He dominated the lead-ups to the Blue Diamond Stakes unbeaten and started a warm favourite in the Group 1 showpiece.

Given a daring front-running ride by Wayne Treloar, he accelerated sharply on the home turn and fought off the late surge of Brief Embrace to cement his place among the state’s elite two-year-olds.

“With the Blue Diamond to be run this Saturday, it brings back those memories of Bel Esprit and what a fantastic two year-old he was,” said Widden Victoria’s Adam Henry.

By outstanding shuttle sire Royal Academy, Bel Esprit trained on to capture the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 before commencing stud duties in Victoria in 2003.

Based for most of his career at the Kerrie property formerly known as Eliza Park and later Sun Stud, Bel Esprit became a cornerstone of the Victorian breeding industry. Across 19 seasons at stud — including three in Queensland — he covered more than 2400 mares and earned a reputation for siring tough, speedy and durable performers.

His enduring place in racing history is assured through his most celebrated progeny, unbeaten champion Black Caviar, widely regarded as the world’s premier sprinter of her era. She was one of 28 stakes winners sired by Bel Esprit.