Yellow Star Stud have reported the passing of Spectrum at 28 years of age. Initially imported and standing at Highlands Stud Farm, he was relocated to KZN in 2013.
A stallion always filled with character and vigour and still covering mares with great enthusiasm until last season, his influence as a smashing broodmare sire will not be forgotten through his world wide travels whilst at stud.
His champion grandchildren such as Dutch Art, himself a Gr1 producer and sire of sires (including Slade Power) at stud, and the likes of Up – a Gr1 winning mare who changed hands at Keeneland for $2,2-million in foal to War Front, will see his name in pedigrees for years to come.
At one point of Spectrum’s career, he was 84th in the world as a broodmare sire. He is also a sire of sires, having produced the likes of Golan and Tartan Bearer.
His grand-daughter the grey Moonlight Cloud, another exceptional Gr1 filly, almost brought Black Caviar’s dream race career to an end at Ascot.
Amongst Spectrum’s exceptional race record were wins in the Irish 2000 Guineas (1995) and Champion Stakes (1995). He won 4 times (including a 10 length win on debut) from 9 starts, never contesting a maiden race, and was Timeform Rated at 126.
He was also the broodmare sire of Winchester, and South African Gr1 winners Tellina and Sand And Sea.
Our thoughts to all at Yellow Star Stud on the passing of this wonderful horse.
Images: Candiese Marnewick