Colmer Stud's Arkadian Hero dies aged 21

Group 2-winning sprinter Arkadian Hero, who stood at Colmer Stud in Dorset, died last week at the age of 21 due to colic and related complications.

The son of Trempolino was bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds out of the winning Caro mare Careless Kitten.

Trained by Luca Cumani, he went on to win seven races from 30 starts including the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes as a two-year-old. At five he won both the Group 3 Criterion Stakes and the Group 3 Hungerford Stakes.

During his career he also finished second in the Grade 1 Atto Mile at Woodbine and was third behind Diktat in the Group 1 Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Since retiring to stud he has supplied a number of winners over both the Flat and National Hunt in the shape of multiple scorers Tilly's Dream, Bold Adventure and Chase Gate.

Colmer Stud's Brenda Bowditch said: "He was quite a lively soul. On the morning of December 23 he bounced out of his stable for his food, which was delivered before he could knock me and it was over.

"He was happy and well until the end, but, as with many stallions, he was out of fashion, so had limited opportunities to prove his full potential."