Goodbye Deep Impact
The champion Japanese sire, Deep Impact has died at the age of 17.
The Japanese star who stood at Shadai Stallion Station was euthanised after it was found that he was unable to stand due to a cervical fracture found by X-ray early.
In a statement, Shadai Stallion Station said: "We had been treating Deep Impact's neck injury for some time, and he underwent surgery on July 28.
"The operation was successful and was doing well after the operation. However, on the morning of July 29, he was unable to stand up, and we had been giving him the maximum treatment possible.
"On the morning of July 30, we took an X-ray and found a fracture in his cervical spine. We decided that he did not have any chance of recovery. We are extremely shocked and in grief with the sudden turn of events."
A seven-time Group I winner, Deep Impact, won 12 of his 14 career starts, including the highly coveted Japan Cup in 2006.
Yutaka Take, who rode him in all 14 of his races, told www.japanracing.jp: "I knew he was not in good shape, but I am disappointed to hear of the news. He is a very special horse in my life. I am just appreciative for all that he gave me."
The son of breed shaper Sunday Silence twice awarded the Japanese Horse Of The Year (2005-2006). He was a Japan Racing Association's Hall Of Famer from 2008.
After the racing champion was retired to stud, he quickly built a reputation as one of the world's leading sires. The prolific sire of more than 100 Group winners commanded a fee of A$490,000 in 2019.
He was crowned Japanese Champion Sire for seven consecutive years from 2012 to 2018 and sired stars including Gentildonna, Real Steel and A Shin Hikari.
Gr.1 McKinnon Stakes and Toorak Handicap (both in 2017) winner Tosen Stardom and 2015 George Ryder champ Real Impact were both sired by the Japanese star.
Others among his progeny include Aidan O'Brien's Saxon Warrior who won the 2000 Guineas last year.
His death comes just four months after Arrowfield Stud lost star performer Redoute's Choice aged 22 on March 26.
The Impact wishes all of Deep Impact's connections our deepest condolences.