Champion stallion Snitzel dies

This morning marked the end of an era as Snitzel was humanely euthanised at Arrowfield Stud, where he had resided for nearly 20 years and built one of the most legendary stallion careers in Australian thoroughbred breeding.

Snitzel had long been known for his soundness and vitality, but in 2024, signs of age-related decline became apparent. Despite the best veterinary care and the unwavering efforts of Arrowfield’s seasoned stallion team, his health deteriorated quickly over the past week. With no viable treatment options left, the decision was made to allow him a dignified and peaceful passing.

Arrowfield acknowledged the depth of loss, not just of a great sire, but of a figure who had become central to the fabric of the farm. Snitzel was more than a successful stallion—he was a constant presence and a source of stability who shaped life at the stud and influenced many careers.

Credit was given to all those who played a role in Snitzel’s life and career, including breeder Francois Naude, trainer Gerald Ryan who managed his racing career, the initial ownership partners, and the many breeders, buyers, trainers, and jockeys who helped realise the potential of his offspring both domestically and internationally.

By Redoute’s Choice and out of a Danehill mare, Snitzel was a Group 1-winning sprinter before becoming a transformative force at stud. Since his 2006 debut on the Arrowfield roster, he steadily rose to prominence, eventually siring 160 stakes winners and leaving an undeniable imprint on the Australian breeding industry.

Snitzel’s legacy extends well beyond Arrowfield’s gates. He dominated sire rankings in Australia, producing sprinters and stayers alike, and proved to be a powerful genetic influence capable of upgrading his mares. His progeny have already begun establishing themselves in the breeding ranks, carrying his legacy into future generations.

Like his sire Redoute’s Choice and grandsire Danehill, Snitzel evolved into a cornerstone of the Australian breeding industry. His contributions—measured not only in champions and premierships but in the people and connections he inspired—will long be remembered.

Fittingly, just yesterday at Seymour, a two-year-old colt named Job Done trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr became Snitzel’s 20th individual juvenile winner of the season, sealing his fifth Australian 2YO Sires’ Premiership. The colt’s name could not have been more apt.

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