Group 1 winner and young shuttle sire National Defense (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}–Angel Falls {GB}, by Kingmambo) passed away in Australia, Widden Stud reported. The 2016 G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero was bred by Ecurie des Monceaux and partners. From five starts, he broke his maiden on debut at Deauville, and was also placed in the G3 Prix des Chenes, prior to his Group 1 win. Kept in training at three by Sun Bloodstock, the Criquette Head trainee was also second in the G3 Prix Djebel.
Retired to the Irish National Stud, the €280,000 Arqana August yearling has 12 winners from 24 runners to date. His eldest progeny are just 3-year-olds, with the stallion's best offspring being the GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint heroine Twilight Gleaming (Ire). He is also represented by the Italian listed placed colt, Kronangel (Ire).
“We are greatly saddened to hear of the untimely passing of National Defense while on stud duties in Australia,” the Irish National Stud tweeted. “He was an exciting young sire that produced a Breeders' Cup champion, Twilight Gleaming, in his first crop. We hope that his forthcoming progeny can carry his line forward.”
At stud in Australia, National Defense has 80 foals from his first crop set to run this season.
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