Widden Stud are in mourning tonight following the passing of Golden Slipper winning sire Sebring, who died quietly of a heart attack on Saturday afternoon.

Bought for $130,000 from the Magic Million in 2007 by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds, Sebring was the syndicators dream horse come true. Prepared by Gai Waterhouse, Sebring won five of six starts including the Group I ATC Golden Slipper and Sires' Produce Stakes to be crowned Champion 2YO of 2007/2008.

Bred by George Altomonte of Corumbene Stud, Sebring earned in excess of $2.5 million in prizemoney for his adoring owners before embarking on a lucrative stud career at Widden that would prove every bit as successful as his racetrack achievements.

"Sebring was the horse of a lifetime, as a racehorse and a stallion, he changed lives," said Antony Thompson.

"It's been a great privilege to stand him at Widden and we are incredibly grateful to everyone that has supported him throughout his career and given him the opportunity to succeed in the way that he has.

"It's because of you, the breeders, that we can make these young colts into champion sires and we thank everyone wholeheartedly for showing the same faith in him that we had."

Sebring is the sire of 51 stakes-winners headed by Group I stars Dissident, Criterion, Egg Tart, Lucky Bubbles and Amphitrite with overall progeny earnings topping $67million.

"Sebring was a horse with a great personality and character, who touched all of those around him," Thompson reflected.

"He was fun, energetic and playful which is how we will remember him.

"His influence will no doubt be felt for many years into the future and we look forward to seeing the legacy he leaves through his sons and daughters in generations to come."

Sebring was at the very height of his stud career having sired seven stakes-winners this season and nearly 100 winners of close to $6million in prizemoney and covered 199 mares last year at a fee of $66,000.

 

Tara Madgwick