Devastation at shock death of Coolmore stallion worth tens of millions

Irish bloodstock giant Coolmore are in mourning following the shock death of one of their leading stallions in America.

The Tipperary-based breeding operation, owned by John Magnier and his family, are the biggest in the world and have farms all over Europe, America and Australia.

They announced on Thursday that one of their best known stallions, Uncle Mo, was sadly euthanised on veterinary advice following an injury to his left foreleg.

The 16-year-old was bought by Coolmore for a whopping $10 million following his retirement from a successful racing career in 2011.

He has sired numerous Grade 1 winners and commanded a stud fee of $150,000, having been based at Coolmore’s Ashford stud in Kentucky.

He would be expected to cover 50 mares a year, making him worth in excess of $7.5 million a year to the Coolmore business.

“We’re all still in shock,” said Coolmore America’s Dermot Ryan. “He will be greatly missed by everyone here in particular by his personal groom Rene Macias. He was an exceptional sire both on the racetrack and in the sales ring.

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“I would like to thank Dr Barry David, Dr Bob Hunt and Dr Cole Sandow of Hagyards for their efforts to save him along with all the team here at Ashford for the excellent care they afforded him throughout his time here.”

Mike Repole, who owned Uncle Mo during his racing career, said in a statement on X: “I am devastated and saddened to share with you that Uncle Mo was euthanized earlier today following a left foreleg injury.

“He had surgery yesterday. Unfortunately, this morning the recovery process was too much for him to endure. The Repole Stable family, Todd Pletcher family and the entire Coolmore family are heartbroken.

“Uncle Mo was so much more to me than a champion and iconic stallion - he was and always will be a part of my family.

“There will never be another horse that makes me feel or will impact my life the way that Uncle Mo has.

“I want to thank Todd Pletcher and his barn, Johnny Velazquez, the Coolmore Family, especially Uncle Mo’s personal groom, Rene, and for everyone who loved Uncle Mo, for all the love and support they gave Uncle Mo.

“I am so grateful for the time that Uncle Mo and I spent together this May.

“Thank you Uncle Mo for fulfilling my childhood dreams of owning a special racehorse. I love you Uncle Mo.”

Uncle Mo was champion juvenile in 2010 in the US and won five of his eight races.

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