'He was an old favourite of the breeders' - leading jumps sire Westerner dies aged 25
Westerner, a leading National Hunt sire and the champion stayer of his generation, has died at the age of 25.
The son of Danehill's career was marked by both class and consistency. In 28 racecourse appearances for trainer Elie Lellouche, he won 11 races and placed on another 11 occasions.
A top-class performer over four seasons for his owner-breeders the Wildenstein family, Westerner's Group 1 haul included the Prix du Cadran and Prix Royal-Oak at four and five and the Gold Cup, when held at York, at six. He was also second to Hurricane Run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe later that same 2005 season.
Westerner retired to Coolmore's Castlehyde Stud in 2007 for introductory fee of €6,000 and remained at the €4,000 to €6,000 mark during his 18 years covering mares at the Fermoy operation.
Among his leading progeny are Stayers' Hurdle hero Cole Harden, ill-fated Champion Bumper and Racing Post Novice Chase victor Ferny Hollow, Arkle scorer Western Warhorse and the Dawn Run Mares' Novices' Hurdle scorer and Grade 1-placed Love Envoi.
He was retired from stud duties at the start of the year and his death comes only days before his 26th birthday.
“Westerner was always a pleasure to deal with and was an old favourite of the breeders too,” said Castlehyde’s Cathal Murphy. “He got you a lovely sort of horse with a good attitude that jumped well. He has been a wonderful servant for us over the years producing so many top-class horses and will be greatly missed by all the team here in Castlehyde"
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