Coolmore announce death of successful sire at the age of 22
Coolmore Australia has announced the death of successful sire Choisir (Danehill Dancer). He was 22.
Bought for $55,000 by his trainer Paul Perry at the 2001 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, the son of Danehill Dancer (Danehill) became the first Southern Hemisphere-bred horse to complete the King's Stand (Gr 2, 5f) - Golden Jubilee Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) double when he won both races at Royal Ascot in 2003. Choisir won another five races including the Breeders' Plate (Listed, 1000m) on debut in September 2001 before running third in the Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) the following March. His first victory at Group One level coming in the Lightning Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m) in February 2003.
Choisir stood his first season at Coolmore in 2003, covering 158 mares at a fee of $30,250 (inc GST). He has sired 100 stakes winners to date, of which 11 of those have won at Group One level and he is also making his mark as a broodmare sire with his daughters having produced 23 stakes winners so far with five Group One winners. Choisir was pensioned prior to the 2022 breeding season and had been living in retirement at Coolmore Australia since then.
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."
