A regular shuttler to Australia for Coolmore, former champion racehorses and Group I sire Rock of Gibraltar has passed away at age 23.
The Champion 3YO Colt and European Horse of the Year in 2002, Rock of Gibraltar won 10 races, seven of them at Group I level.
He visited Australia for eight seasons covering over 1000 mares between 2003 and 2010.
Coolmore's Castlehyde Stud manager Paddy Fleming said: “He was healthy and looking great right up to the end. He was a fantastic racehorse and a very good sire who will be missed by all the staff here.”
By legendary sire Danehill, Rock of Gibraltar sired 139 stakes-winners, 16 of them Group I winners and as a broodmare sire is making his presence felt with his daughters producing 67 stakes-winners eight of them Group I winners.
He is also sire of the dam of successful Australian sire Rubick, the sire of Everest winner Yes Yes Yes and Golden Rose winner Jacquinot.