Machiavellian dies at 17
Machiavellian, one of Europe’s leading stallions and sire of two Dubai World Cup winners, has been put down at the age of 17.
The son of Mr Prospector, who stood at Darley’s Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket for his entire stallion career, had been suffering from laminitis and was withdrawn from duty early in the spring after covering a small number of mares.
Trained by Francois Boutin to be Europe’s champion two-year-old, Machiavellian consistently sired high-class stakes winners and proved to be one of Mr Prospector’s finest stallion sons.
Liam O’Rourke, managing director of Dalham Hall Stud, said: “Machiavellian has been a super horse to have anything to do with.
“He’s been a terrific stallion, one whose influence will be with us for years to come through his sons and daughters.
“But above all else he was a lovely animal. His loss is a huge blow to everyone at Darley, particularly Tommy Sheridan, who has looked after him since he first arrived here at the stud.”
Among Machiavellian’s progeny are Group One winners from five furlongs to two and a half miles, including Street Cry and Almutawakel, both winners of the Dubai World Cup, plus Best Of The Bests, who stood alongside him at Dalham Hall.
His other Group One winners included Medicean, Storming Home, Vettori and current crack sprinter Patavellian.
