Stallions

Arrowfield mourns the death of Beneteau

It is with great sadness that Arrowfield announces the death of Beneteau this morning.

Pictured: A fine head study of Beneteau, photographed by Bronwen Healy at Arrowfield in July 2012.

The 5YO stallion was taken to Randwick Equine Centre on Tuesday evening after being found in an ataxic state following the acute onset of a severe neurological condition as a result of trauma. However, he deteriorated further and the decision was taken this morning to euthanize him.

By Redoute’s Choice from Slice Of Paradise, a stakes-placed sister to champion filly Alinghi, Beneteau was bred by Arrowfield in partnership with International Equities Holding and sold for $1 million to Blue Sky Thoroughbreds at the 2009 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

In the hands of trainer Paul Messara, he quickly proved to be one of Australia’s most promising juveniles.

Beneteau opened his career with a sparkling win at Randwick in January 2010 and immediately proceeded to Group success in the MRC Blue Diamond Prelude G3, before a luckless third in the MRC Blue Diamond S. G1 and a fifth placing in Crystal Lily’s Golden Slipper.

He joined the Arrowfield stallion roster in 2011 and served almost 180 mares during his two seasons at stud.

Beneteau’s first foals arrived last spring, displaying much of his athleticism and character. They and his second crop foals now in utero are all that will be known of a young sire gone much, much too soon.