KEY POINTS:
New Zealand harness racing has lost one of its brightest young stars with the shock death of exceptional pacer Fergiemack.
The 3-year-old was found dead in his spelling paddock in South Auckland yesterday, with an autopsy suggesting a perforated ulcer as the cause of death.
The tragedy has left trainer Tony Herlihy stunned.
"It is bit like losing a mate really," said Herlihy. "He was a lovely horse and had so much ahead of him.
"He was really only getting started and I am sure he had the makings of a top open-class horse."
Fergiemack was sent for a spell after an uncharacteristic lacklustre performance after being trapped three wide for the last lap of the Woodlands Northern Derby 11 days ago.
"He lost a bit of weight after that and looked like he needed a break but we had no indications there was anything wrong him with so this has been a real shock.
"I have never had a good horse die like this and the only comforting thing is it sounds like he died quickly because there were no signs in the paddock he has struggled or been in pain.
"But it is still a terrible thing and I really feel for his owners."
Fergiemack was unplaced only twice in a 17-start career, winning seven times and being placed on eight others.
His biggest win came when he deadheated with Gotta Go Cullen in last season's Sires' Stakes Final at Addington, where he beat home arch-rival Changeover.
He chased Changeover home in this season's record run 3-year-old Sires' Stakes Final but is almost certain to win that race after death as Changeover has returned an irregularity swab to caffeine.
That will add considerably to his career earnings of $204,999.
Racing in a crop of outstanding 3-year-olds, Fergiemack was good enough to beat both Changeover and Gotta Go Cullen in the Elsu Classic at Alexandra Park in December.
He then travelled to Australia and won a heat of the Victoria Derby before running second to Lombo Pocket Watch in the final.
Making the loss even harder is the fact Fergiemack was still very much on the improve, with Herlihy certain he was going to be a better horse next season and the one after.
"With the way his body was maturing and the fact he still had some growing up to do mentally he had a huge future."
The loss will also provide the connections of Changeover with plenty to think about.
The ATC Trot Syndicate which races the champion youngster has been offered close to $1 million from at least one source with others also interested.
They were to consider that offer this week but with Fergiemack now gone and Lombo Pocket Watch unlikely to return to New Zealand any time soon only Gotta Go Cullen looks capable of footing it with Changeover.
With the New Zealand Derby just around the corner, the Australasian Breeders Crown and two years of Harness Jewels racing in front of him, as well as his open class career and stud potential, $1 million is looking a little cheap for Changeover.
Shock loss
* Fergiemack was found dead in his spelling paddock yesterday.
* A perforated ulcer is thought to be the cause of death.
* He was one of the most exciting young pacers in Australasia.
* His death will raise the price for those looking to purchase his arch-rival Changeover.
