Ouija Board, Classic Winner and Producer, Dies at 21

Ouija Board (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), the brilliant racemare and dam of Derby winner Australia (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), has died at the age of 21.

Confirming the dual Classic winner's passing on Tuesday, her breeder Lord Derby said, “In our wildest dreams, we never imagined we could breed a horse that would be a global record-breaker and inspire so many people with so many happy memories. She was simply the best and always had the most wonderful temperament. She loved a hug and a polo mint every time we walked around the stud. We were so lucky to have her in our lives as she brought us so much joy. The fun and the pleasure that she gave us in a four-year journey around the globe will give us happy memories forever.”

Trained by Ed Dunlop, Ouija Board won the Oaks and Irish Oaks and rounded off her Classic season with victory in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. At four, she added the Hong Kong Vase to her Group 1 haul and then remained in training at five to win the G1 Prince of Wales's S. and G1 Nassau S. before a repeat success at the Breeders' Cup.

Retired home to her owner's Stanley House Stud in Newmarket, Ouija Board produced five winners, led by Australia, who now stands at Coolmore in Ireland, while his half-brother, the Group 2 winner and Group 1 runner-up Frontiersman (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is at Overbury Stud in England. Another son, Voodoo Prince (GB) (Kingmambo) won a Group 3 in Australia. 

Stud manager Peter Stanley, the brother of Lord Derby, said, “It has been a privilege to be associated with such an extraordinary and remarkable filly. Even in one's wildest dreams one dare not dream of a filly such as Ouija board. She danced every dance and more beside. Her stud career was equally inspiring, producing in the same year a Derby winner with Australia, and the Melbourne Cup favourite at the same time. She followed this up with Frontiersman finishing second in the Group 1 Coronation Cup. If I have one sadness, it is that she left us only one daughter, but the truth is she was a joy from beginning to end.”

Ed Dunlop added, “What a champion she was. I was so, so lucky to be entrusted with such a great horse. There were so many happy and great moments with her that is impossible to single out one. Winning the Oaks was so special for me as a trainer, and the iconic Nassau battle will live long in the memory. Putting it simply she changed my life and I owe her a huge, huge debt.”