Cambridge Stud stallion Burgundy was put down at the Waikato farm on Friday, having contracted acute laminitis in his front feet.
His condition had deteriorated over the past 72 hours and the decision was made between the major partners that he should not suffer further.
Burgundy was a $1.3 million yearling when sold by his breeders Philip and Sir Peter Vela, the owners of Pencarrow Stud.
Out of Group One winner Grand Echezeaux, he was a three-quarter brother in blood to Darci Brahma, champion sprinter in New Zealand in 2006. His dam was a three-quarter sister to Romanee Conti, the dam of Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner Ethereal.
He raced in the famous Te Akau colours and was described by managing owner David Ellis as “the fastest horse ever trained at Te Akau.” A multiple Group winner and Group One placed in the Telegraph Handicap (1200m), Burgundy retired to stand at Cambridge Stud where he has sired 39 individual winners, including multiple Group winner Dijon Bleu, dual stakes winner Hard Merchandize, and Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) winner La Romanee.
