It is with great sadness that Coolmore announces the passing of Choisir at the age of 22.
The Paul Perry-trained sprinter was a tough and consistent galloper, with his domestic race career highlighted by victory in the Group I VRC Lightning Stakes at Flemington.
He will be remembered most however, for his wins in the Group II King’s Stand Stakes and Group I Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2003, where he became the first Australian horse to win at the Royal meeting.
In doing so, he would pave the way for a host of Australian-bred sprinters to taste success at Royal Ascot, including his champion son Starspangledbanner who emulated his success in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.
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As a sire Choisir was ever consistent, producing an incredible 100 stakes-winners in 12 countries and 11 Group I winners throughout the world.His legacy will live on through his sons and daughters at stud, where he has already proven himself a successful sire-of-sires and broodmare sire.
Coolmore Australia Principal, Tom Magnier paid tribute by saying, “I was lucky enough to be at Ascot in 2003 to witness his incredible triumphs on the Tuesday and then the Saturday where he was ridden by Johnny Murtagh.
“It was a great achievement for his trainer Paul Perry and paved the way for future Australian sprinters to compete with distinction on the world stage.
“Since he retired to the farm in 2003 he has been a favourite with all those who have worked with him, especially our long time Stallion Manager Gerry Ryan who was particularly fond of him. Choisir was the ultimate professional in all he did and every Stud dreams of having a stallion like him.
“We are so grateful to him and he will be sorely missed by the entire Coolmore team.”
Before Choisir was a stallion at stud, he was one of the most impressive sprinters you would ever see with images below courtesy of Steve Hart, thanks for the memories!
