Blue Gum confirms death of Sejardan

Blue Gum Farm’s young stallion Sejardan has tragically died as he was about to complete his third season at the Victorian stud.

The Group 2-winning son of Sebring suffered a sudden and catastrophic injury on Wednesday and couldn’t be saved by veterinary staff at the Avenel Equine Hospital.

“Despite immediate veterinary intervention and round-the-clock care from an exceptional veterinary team led by Dr Angus Adkins of Avenel Equine Hospital, Sejardan was unable to be saved,” a statement from Blue Gum Farm said.

“This loss is felt deeply by everyone at Blue Gum Farm. We particularly acknowledge the staff who worked most closely with him every day, especially his stallion handler Justin Telfer, who formed a strong bond with him from the moment he arrived.

“We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to Sejardan’s ownership and shareholder group, who believed in him and supported his journey from champion colt to promising young sire.”

Sejardan was a winner of the Group 2 Todman Stakes, Group 3 Breeders’ Plate and the $1 million Golden Gift as a two-year-old before returning at three to win the Red Anchor Stakes for trainer Gary Portelli. He retired to stud in 2023.

“Sejardan was only beginning his journey as a sire. His first crop of weanlings presented this year and were extremely well received, selling up to $130,000 and consistently finding strong homes at leading farms throughout the country,” the statement from Blue Gum said.

“Their strength, quality and athleticism gave every indication that Sejardan was on track to make a meaningful impact as a stallion.”

Sejardan served books of 103 and 76 across his first two seasons at Blue Gum, where he stood alongside Flying Artie and Oxley Road.

“We would also like to sincerely thank the many breeders who supported Sejardan across his first three seasons at stud. Your belief in the horse, your mares, and his future was genuinely appreciated, and we will continue to honour that faith through the stock he leaves behind,” the statement said.

“We will remember him with great affection and pride.”