Ted Hughes’ stallion by High Chaparral, Golden Sword, passed on after an unfortunate accident.
“A very sad day yesterday. We lost Golden Sword to a freak accident at the farm. The record holder over 2000m in Dubai and two lengths behind Sea the Stars in the 2009 Epsom Derby, will be sorely missed by us. A few youngsters yet to run so his legacy will carry on. Bred by the Pococks in Somerset from an illustrious family,” Ted announced on his social media.
Golden Sword was a horse close to the heart of his owner, who grew up with the breeders of Golden Sword and Rekindling in England and Ted was fortunate to visit and meet Sitara, the chestnut dam of Golden Sword.
Golden Sword is a half-brother to Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling and French Gr1 placed Sydney Opera House. Golden Sword was trained by Mike De Kock in Dubai, and interesting to note that Mathew De Kock recently purchased a horse (by Australia) at Tattersalls from the immediate family of Golden Sword for 240 000 gns.
Golden Sword’s best was Belle Rose – a half-sister to Pierre Jordan was subsequently exported to Dubai but injury prevented her from performing.
Golden Swords breeders, Stringston Farm, purchased the mare in foal to Cracksman and it was heartwarming to see the pedigree go full circle and across three continents.
Amongst his other leading progeny is Nimcha, an 8-time winner racing in the colours of Hollywood Syndicate, purchased from the Alexander brothers prior to their repatriation to Australia, whilst Oasis Queen is also a 7-time winner.
Golden Sword was a lean, leggy individual who stood over ground and looked every inch and athlete when he walked – a very typical staying type who threw large, beautiful foals.
Our thoughts go out to Ted Hughes on the loss of a special horse.