Sadler’s Wells, one of the most influential stallions in the world over the
past several decades, died Tuesday of natural causes at the age of 30. The
announcement was made by Coolmore Ireland, where Sadler’s Wells had resided
since retiring to stud in 1984.
Unplaced only once in a two-season campaign encompassing 11 starts, Sadler’s
Wells won the Beresford S. (Group 2) in his only stakes appearance at two. As a
three-year-old in 1984, he rattled off top-level wins in the Irish Two Thousand
Guineas (Group 1), Eclipse S. (Group 1) and Phoenix Champion S. (Group 1), as
well as the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial (Group 2). Distance limitations at 1
1/2 miles, however, resulted in second-place efforts in the Prix du Jockey-Club
(Group 1) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. (Group 1). Sadler’s Wells’
record upon retirement from the racecourse was 11-6-4-0, $663,423.
Sadler’s Wells’ offspring, as well as the offspring of his daughters, have
dominated the European classics in recent decades and won numerous championships
abroad. A sampling of his most noted sons and daughters include multiple U.S.
turf champion High Chaparral; multiple classic winner and Prix de l’Arc de
Triomphe (Group 1) hero Montjeu; four-time Gold Cup S. (Group 1) winner Yeats;
Epsom Derby (Group 1) winner Galileo, U.S. turf champion Northern Spur; U.S.
steeplechase champion Correggio; Irish champion El Prado; Breeders’ Cup winners
In the Wings, Barathea and Islington; Arlington Million (Grade 1) winners
Powerscourt and Beat Hollow; Canadian turf champion Perfect Soul; and European
classic winners King of Kings, Entrepreneur, Ebadiyla, Dream Well, Refuse to
Bend, Imagine, Old Vic, Salsabil, Brian Boru, Alexandrova and Milan, among
others.
Many of those listed above have become outstanding sires and broodmares in
their own right, and it is no understatement that Sadler’s Wells’ influence on
the breed will continue for decades to come. His daughters have produced the
likes of recent stars Conduit, El Condor Pasa, Henrythenavigator and Workforce.
“He was undoubtedly the best sire Europe has ever seen and through his sons
Galileo, Montjeu, High Chaparral and Yeats along with grandsons Hurricane Run
and Rip Van Winkle he has left a wonderful legacy at Coolmore and his influence
looks set to continue for many years to come,” Coolmore manager Christy Grassick
said. “We all feel privileged to have been involved with such a special horse.”
The sire of approximately 300 stakes winners, Sadler’s Wells was leading sire
in England and Ireland a collective 14 times. He was retired from stud duty in
May 2008.
Bred by Robert Sangster’s Swettenham Stud, Sadler’s Wells was produced by
Irish champion filly Fairy Bridge, a half-sister to French champion and
influential sire Nureyev.