Hong Kong Group 1 winner Firebreak (GB) (Charnwood Forest {Ire}–Breakaway {GB}, by Song {GB}) was euthanised at Bearstone Stud on Monday. The 21-year-old, who stood his entire career at Bearstone, had been pensioned at the Market Drayton stud for the past two years.
“It's a very sad day at Bearstone Stud, as we had to say goodbye to Firebreak,” said Bearstone's Terry Holdcroft on Twitter. “We were very lucky that Sheikh Mohammed, who has always owned him, allowed us to stand him at Bearstone. We bred a Group 1 winner by him in Hearts of Fire from his first crop and he was an absolute pleasure to have around. He never received the mares he deserved. We will all miss him.”
Bred by R. P. Williams, the bay had landed the G2 Mill Reef S. and G3 Prix de Cabourg as a juvenile for Ian Balding and Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds and was sold to Godolphin at the end of his 2-year-old season. Bearing the royal blue, he saluted in the 2004 G1 Hong Kong Mile for trainer Saeed bin Suroor, as well as two editions of the G2 Godolphin Mile (2003/04).
At stud, Firebreak sired G1 Gran Criterium victor Hearts of Fire (GB), G3 Sprint S. heroine Caledonia Lady (GB) and G3 Prix Quincey hero Fire Ship (GB) among his four black-type winners.
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