Helsinge (Aus) (Desert Sun {GB}), best known as the dam of the legendary Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}) has died at the age of 15. The mare was based at Gilgai Farm and according to reports on racing.com she died after a reaction to medication. Although un-raced herself, Helsinge was a half-sister to both Group 1 winner Magnus (Aus) (Flying Spur {Aus}) and Group 2 winner Wilander (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). As a broodmare Helsinge wasted little time in leaving a lasting legacy to the global racing industry when foaling Black Caviar in 2006. The brilliant filly went on to be unbeaten in 25 runs and has herself become a broodmare with her first produce Oscietra (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) finishing third on her debut recently.
Three years after producing Black Caviar Helsinge gave birth to a colt by Casino Prince (Aus) subsequently named All Too Hard (Aus). He also developed into a top class racehorse winning four Group 1 races including three in the space of two months in 2013 before retiring as a stallion to Vinery Stud. Naturally success in the sales ring followed for Helsinge with Belle Couture (Aus), a daughter of Redoute's Choice (Aus}) making A$2.6m as a yearling at Sydney's Easter Sale in 2012, while an ill-fated son by the same sire made A$5m a year later. Unfortunately for Rick Jamieson and the team at Gilgai Farm Helsinge has had little luck with breeding in recent years and did not produce a foal since 2013. Even more disappointing was the fact she was tested in foal to Written Tycoon (Aus) before her death. However they have retained a 4-year-old full-sister to Black Caviar, named Naturale (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}) while they also have a full-sister to All Too Hard called Brigite (Casino Prince {Aus}) in training with Ciaron Maher.
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