RIP Sunline

[maggies_lens]

Sunline, one of the greatest mares in history, has passed away. When she was racing late 1990's, early 2000's, I followed her avidly. She was foaled in 1995 in NZ, and started racing in mainland Australia in 1998, winning race after race after race. This big, plain bay powerhouse of mare just captured so many people's imaginations. She was MIGHTY! 48 races, with 32 wins, 9 seconds and 3 thirds. In that she won the Cox Plate,  The Doncaster Handicap and the Randwick all ages stakes.  She was NZ's horse of the year 4 times in a row, and Australian horse of the year 3 times in a row.  In the photo above she is winning the 2000 Cox Plate by 7 lengths! She ROMPED it in! I remember watching it and having trouble closing my jaws :-D
Sunline was put to sleep after a long battle with laminitis yesterday.
She was owned her entire life by her breeders, they never allowed her to be sold despite massive offers of money for her.
She leaves behind 4 offspring, 2 of which are racing and winning.
Run free, old girl.

Comments

[maggies-lens.livejournal.com]

Poor mare, but yeah you're right, sounds like her owners really cared about her. I adre say a fair percentage would have looked at her condition, figured oh well she'll not foal again i.e worthless, put her down. But they tried. Just a pity they didn't suceed this time.