 |
|
Renowned
South Australian nursery Mill Park Stud have started the new season on a sombre
note following the passing of two of their all-time great favourites in dual
Group I winner Umrum and foundation broodmare My Madonna.
Euthanized in the last week of July, 18 year-old Umrum has spent his retirement
years at Mill Park and has been the nanny / come babysitter for numerous
weanlings over the years.
In the very same week, Mill Park also suffered the loss of 22 year-old My
Madonna, who had a heart attack out of the blue and died instantly.
"My Madonna was in foal to Bernardini and had just six weeks to go before
foaling," said Serena Watson.
"She looked fantastic, so it was totally unexpected, but at least it was quick
and painless."
My Madonna was the mare that really put Mill Park on the map as the dam of
outstanding performer Divine Madonna(pictured), a four time Group I winner of eight races
and $2million in prizemoney and Group III winner Blessum as well as six other
winners.
Mill Park sold Divine Madonna as a yearling at Magic Millions Adelaide in 2004
for $82,500 to Mark Kavanagh and the mare later sold as a broodmare prospect
for a$2.7 million to Darley in 2008.
Mill Park has also had success with the daughters of My Madonna including
Pieta, the dam of last season's stakes-winning three year-old filly Angel of
Mercy.
Still racing, but sure to bring further glory to the family at stud in the
future for Mill Park are two of My Madonna's daughters in four year-old
Redoute's Choice mare The Good Wife and three year-old Exceed and Excel filly
Medici Madonna, who are both trained by Mark Kavanagh.
The last foal from My Madonna is a two year-old colt by Bernardini (USA) that
made $80,000 at the 2012 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale and is yet to be named.
News from Mill Park
|
