Sadler’s Wells, Europe’s most influential sire, dies

Sadler’s Wells, the most influential European sire of the past century, has died aged 30.

The son of Northern Dancer died yesterday (Tuesday 26 April) of “natural causes” at Coolmore Stud, Ireland, where he has lived since 1984.

Trained by Vincent O’Brien, Sadler’s Wells ran 11 times and won six — including the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Eclipse as a three-year-old.

Sadler’s Wells, owned by Robert Sangster, retired to stud in 1984 and in his first season at stud he produced six group one winners including Old Vic (who died two months ago aged 25).

He sired 74 individual winners of 131 Group or Grade One races worldwide.

Prolific offspring includes the 2001 Derby winner Galileo and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Monjeu.

In 2004 he won his 14th sire championship consigning the record held by Highflyer since 1798 to history.

• For more see next week’s issue of H&H, out on 28 April.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now