Vale Snitzel

[Pegasus 9]

Snitzel (Image: Arrowfield Stud)

Racing.com.  Ryan Reynolds

Super sire Snitzel has passed away, Arrowfield Stud has confirmed.

The former sprinter, who became a champion sire, was aged 23.

"This morning, Snitzel was humanely euthanised at Arrowfield Stud, his home for nearly two decades and the base for one of the most exceptional stallion careers in Australian thoroughbred breeding history," a statement release by Arrowfield said.

"Known for his soundness and vitality throughout most of his life, Snitzel began to show signs of age-related decline in 2024. Despite comprehensive veterinary support and the daily dedication of Arrowfield's experienced stallion team, his condition deteriorated rapidly over the past week.

"With no treatment options remaining, the decision was made to allow him a peaceful and dignified farewell."

Snitzel's death draws the curtain on an incredible career which saw him sire 23 individual Group 1 winners and 160 individual Stakes winners.

He sired winners across various trips including winners of the Golden Slipper, Golden Rose, Cox Plate and Everest.

Snitzel's career saw him named champion sire of Australia and champion sire of two-year-olds four times each.

Some of his best progeny include Trapeze Artist, Redzel, Russian Revolution, Shamus Award and Switzerland.

"Arrowfield acknowledges the profound impact of his passing, not only as the loss of a great horse, but as the end of a significant chapter in the stud's history," the statement continued.

"Snitzel was more than a commercial success; he was a reliable and stoic presence who shaped the daily rhythm of life at the farm and anchored many careers.

"The farm also recognises the many people and partnerships that made Snitzel's career possible. These include breeder Francois Naude; trainer Gerald Ryan, who managed his racing career; the ownership partners who supported his stud career from the beginning; and the many breeders, buyers, trainers and jockeys who contributed to the success of his progeny across Australia and internationally.

"Snitzel, a son of Redoute's Choice and grandson of Danehill, was a Group 1-winning sprinter on the track and became an era-defining sire at stud. From the time he joined the Arrowfield roster in 2006, his trajectory was marked by consistent excellence and broad influence.

"He would go on to sire 160 Stakes winners, including multiple Group 1 champions and leave an indelible mark on the national breeding landscape.

"Snitzel's influence extends well beyond Arrowfield. His dominance of Australian sire rankings, his versatility across sprinters and stayers, and his ability to upgrade his mares made him one of the most valuable and reliable stallions of the modern era.

"His sons and daughters have carried his qualities forward and are already proving themselves in the breeding shed, ensuring that his legacy will continue."

[scooby3051]

Super stallion his legacy will surely live on for many years to come....RIP you legend.

[scooby3051]

[BUCKY]

9 minutes ago, scooby3051 said:

Super stallion his legacy will surely live on for many years to come....RIP you legend.

Danehill has had a massive influence on breeding and racing in Aussie and here in NZ.  Probably the most of any stallion, ever? Arguable I know but where the results count is at the finishing post of races and his ' breed ' have a hell of a record. And it hasnt stopped yet.

[Pheroz]

Which of his sons at stud will continue with his legacy? Big shoes to fill.

Among is sire sons are some stars,

Shinzo

Sword of State

Switzerland

Trapeze Artist

Shamus Award

Russian Revolution.

[scooby3051]

Does not only have to be his sons...he has daughters too.

[BUCKY]

9 minutes ago, scooby3051 said:

Does not only have to be his sons...he has daughters too.

Sure does, and daughters of his-Danehills-sons were very good too. Keeper was a fine example, he left some very, very good fillies and mares. When it came to breeding from them it was hard to choose a Danehill free stallion.

[scooby3051]

Thanks for the input Bucky...good to see new posters getting involved in the discussions.

 

[BUCKY]

Thanks scooby. I've been around a while, bred and raced a number, and have been involved in various ' other ' parts of the industry. I'd rather not go into that, however suffice to say ' some of my best friends are horses '!

[Dopey]

Snitzel from my visit in august 2018. RIP