Grand National-winning sire Maresca Sorrento dies aged 22

Maresca Sorrento, the sire of Grand National hero Pineau De Re, died at Haras du Lion in France on Friday after suffering a serious bout of colic. The son of Cadoudal was 22.

At three Maresca Sorrento won two heats over hurdles at Auteuil for trainer Elie Lellouche in a light racing career.

The son of talented hurdler French Free Star and half-brother to Flat Group 3 winner Bonnet Rouge was retired to stud in 2002 and from 107 runners he has supplied 27 winners.

He enjoyed his turn in the spotlight when son Pineau De Re was a convincing five-length winner over Balthazar King in the Aintree spectacular in 2014.

That result earned the sire an upswing in popularity and he covered 75 mares in 2014, 92 in 2015, 65 last year and 40 this spring.
Another of Maresca Sorrento's sons, Plein Pouvoir, has won five chases in Britain, while offspring such as Farlow Des Mottes and Rescato De L'Oust were talented over fences in France.

Maresca Sorrento's influence continues to be felt at Haras du Lion, as his maternal grandson Voiladenuo – a Grade 2-winning hurdler at Auteuil – stood his second season there this year.