New Zealand stallion Savile Row dies aged 13

Three-time Group 1-placed New Zealand stallion Savile Row has died aged 13, just a week out from what would have been his ninth season at stud.

Brighthill Farm and Henrietta, Duchess Of Bedford announced the son of Makfi suffered a heart attack on Monday.

Trained during his racing career by the late Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard, Savile Row was a Listed winner who also finished runner-up at Group 1 level on three occasions in the Levin Classic, New Zealand 2000 Guineas and Herbie Dyke Stakes.

He began his stud career at the late Kevin Hickman’s Valachi Downs at Matamata before spending the past four seasons at Mapperley Stud.

Savile Row relocated to Nick King’s Brighthill Farm in June as the Duchess Of Bedford sought to give the stallion further opportunities at stud.

From limited representation, Savile Row has sired 14 winners, including stakes-placed fillies She Suits Herself and Perfectly Suited.

He had covered only four mares across the past two breeding seasons, but the Duchess Of Bedford remained determined to support a stallion in whom she had long held considerable faith.

“Many will think I have gone a bit mad, however he is a stallion in whom I really believe, as did his breeder, my friend Kevin Hickman,” Bedford said in June.

“Tragically Kevin died in August 2024 and due to his illness was never able to promote him as he would have wanted. Kevin bought his dam Fleece from me at the Tattersalls December Sales, so I have always felt in a way that I had played a role in his very existence.

“I kept in touch with Kevin’s wife Jo and about a month ago went to see her about Savile Row, as I knew she was anxious about his future.

“To cut a long story short, I asked if I could buy him and it was a combination of relief and delight for all parties, including Kevin’s daughter Jasmine.”

Savile Row’s death comes only months after his move to Brighthill and shortly before the beginning of the 2026 New Zealand breeding season.