Ten-time NZ champion sire Savabeel dies in freak accident

New Zealand breeding giant Savabeel, a ten-time champion sire, has died at Waikato Stud at the age of 24 following a freak paddock accident.

The son of legendary sire Zabeel suffered a fractured shoulder at the Chittick family’s Matamata property, where he had stood since retiring to stud in 2005 after a reported $10 million deal following his victory in the Cox Plate.

Rest in peace, Sav 🕊️ 23.09.2001 – 19.06.2026 pic.twitter.com/uDqkch3wsw

— Waikato Stud (@WaikatoStud) June 18, 2026

Bred in Australia by Glenlogan Park and prepared by Graeme Rogerson during his racing career, Savabeel won two Group 1 races on the track, but it was at stud where he established himself as one of the most influential stallions in Australasian breeding history.

His impact on the New Zealand thoroughbred industry was profound, with Savabeel securing 10 consecutive champion sire titles and producing 159 stakes winners.

Among those are 36 individual Group 1 winners, including outstanding mares Probabeel, Atishu and Orchestral.

Savabeel also sired Group 1 winners Mo’unga and Cool Aza Beel, both of whom now stand at Newhaven Park in New South Wales, while another elite-level son, Noverre, has stood alongside his sire at Waikato Stud since 2022.

His influence extended beyond his direct progeny, with his daughters producing 46 stakes winners, including nine Group 1 winners.

Among the standout performers from his broodmare band are dual Group 1 winner Autumn Boy and Empire Rose Stakes winner Ice Bath.

Despite approaching his 25th year, Savabeel remained an active member of the Waikato Stud roster.

He covered 88 mares last season and had been expected to continue serving a select book of mares in 2026 at a private fee.

His passing marks the end of an extraordinary era for New Zealand breeding, with Savabeel leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape pedigrees throughout Australasia for generations to come.