Black Caviar’s sire, Bel Esprit, dies aged 26
Widden Stud has confirmed the death of Bel Esprit, the Blue Diamond winner and sire of the unbeaten superstar Black Caviar.
Bel Esprit, the sire of the legendary Black Caviar and 27 other stakes winners, has died aged 26 at Widden Stud in Victoria.
Twenty four years to the week since he won the Blue Diamond Stakes, Widden confirmed the news that the much-loved stallion had succumbed to the effects of old age.
The son of Royal Academy was a multiple Group 1 winner who won eight of his 19 starts and over $2 million for trainer John Symons.
He then retired to Eliza Park in Victoria in 2003, embarking on a long and highly successful stud career in both Victoria and Queensland.
He produced 818 winners, including 28 stakes winners. Among that collection were three Group 1 winners, including, of course, Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in her 25-start career.
Bel Esprit was retired from active stud duty at the start of 2022.
“With the Blue Diamond to be run this Saturday, it brings back those memories of Bel Esprit and what a fantastic two year-old he was,” said Widden Victoria’s Adam Henry.
“Bel Esprit has left a real legacy that will extend well beyond his passing and it has been a privilege to have him in our care.”
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