FIGHTING SUN, a Champion Victorian First Season Sire, has died at Sun Stud following an attack of colic.
An unbeaten 2YO with Gai Waterhouse and one-time favourite for the Golden Slipper, FIGHTING SUN retired to Sun Stud in 2014 and has gone on to cover 730 mares.
Represented this season by stakes horse and recent Flemington winner, Roccabascerana (a winner on debut at two by 7 lengths), FIGHTING SUN's 2YOs include Entrapped, Celestial Sol, Flinders River and the McEvoy trained, Toyz on Fire.
By the speed source, Northern Meteor, FIGHTING SUN been hugely popular with broodmare owners and, in particular, the Sun Stud team which is devastated at the loss.
“From the first day he arrived on the farm as a 2YO – after being robbed of his chance at winning a Golden Slipper – it was hard not to have a soft spot for the horse … he was just so good to handle,” Sun Stud’s Operations Manager, David Grant, points out. “He was the ‘go to’ stallion for the new and less experienced stallion staff, to help build their confidence. Fighting Sun had such a kind nature and was always easy to serve mares with.
“It’s been 17 years since we lost a stallion on the property, so we are all in shock and are extremely saddened by his passing.
“One thing is for sure, the stallion barn will not be the same without him!”
Sun Stud’s Stallion Manager, Amir Khan, shares the sentiments of all at Sun Stud: “Talk about a gentle giant … he was the most loved stallion in the barn, a real gentleman and I can tell you he will be sorely missed.”
With his largest crop of 2YOs to commence racing in 2020/21 and some outstanding yearlings to be offered next year, FIGHTING SUN’s legacy is bound to continue in years to come.
