Racing: Zabeel's passing marks end of era

Zabeel was part of Sir Patrick Hogan's Cambridge Stud. Photo / Cnristine Cornege.

A remarkable era in New Zealand thoroughbred breeding history has ended with the death of the champion stallion Zabeel.

The son of another great sire in Sir Tristram, Zabeel passed away peacefully on Friday night in the paddock he had occupied at Cambridge Stud since 1991.

An emotional Sir Patrick Hogan announced Zabeel's passing.

"Cambridge Stud is sad to report that during the night Zabeel passed away peacefully in his paddock," he said in a statement. "The sire already of 44 Group One champions, Zabeel was 29 years old.

"He was a sire who excelled at the very highest level and was able to carry on where his own great sire Sir Tristram had left off.

"Zabeel contributed to the thoroughbred industry and excelled above all expectations and having enjoyed his retirement for the past few years he will be sadly missed by all here at Cambridge Stud.

"He will be buried alongside his sire Sir Tristram in the very same tradition, with his tail facing the sunrise and his head facing the sunset.

"Zabeel gave so many people though his progeny the greatest thrill of winning so many races at the highest level. He surpassed all that have come before him, past and present in New Zealand. Four Cox Plates and three Melbourne Cups - what more can you say?"