Group 1 sire Medicean (GB) (Machiavellian-Mystic Goddess, by Storm Bird) has died suddenly at Cheveley Park Stud at age 21 from a suspected heart attack.
Racing as a homebred for Cheveley Park with trainer Sir Michael Stoute, Medicean made his debut in April of his 3-year-old year and picked up two wins from three starts at conditions level before finishing third behind Giant's Causeway in Royal Ascot's G1 St James's Palace S. After again finishing third behind that rival in the G1 Sussex S., Medicean picked up a win in the G2 Celebration Mile but his best exploits would come the following year at four. Making four starts, all under Kieren Fallon, Medicean won the G1 Lockinge S., G2 Queen Anne S. and G1 Eclipse S. and was third in the G1 Juddmonte International.
Medicean entered stud at his birthplace in 2002 at £15,000 and enjoyed immediate success with his progeny, his first crop including the G1 Fillies' Mile and G1 Coronation S. winner Nannina (GB), and his second crop the G1 Middle Park S. and G1 Prix Morny winner Dutch Art (GB), who would later stand alongside him at Cheveley Park. Medicean's other Group 1 winners are Siyouma (Fr), Bayrir (Fr), Neatico (Ger), Capponi (Ire), Al Shemali (GB) and Almerita (Ger). Medicean's line has opportunity to continue through the likes of Garswood (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}), who also stands at Cheveley Park, and Slade Power (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}) at Kildangan Stud.
Cheveley Park Stud Managing Director Chris Richardson said, “From the day he was born, Medicean was the most wonderfully kind horse, with a spectacular walk. His win in the Eclipse was a highlight for owner breeders, Mr and Mrs Thompson, being one of their favourite races. His progeny have excelled at the highest level and I am sure his legacy will be influential for years to come.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
