Godolphin trainer Saeed Bin Suroor has paid tribute to Kayf Tara, the champion Flat stayer and sire of top two mile chaser Edwardstone, who has died at the age of 28.
The winner of two Ascot Gold Cups as well as two editions of the Irish St Leger passed away peacefully in his paddock at Overbury Stud in Gloucestershire where he had spent his 20 year career as a stallion.
Kayf Tara won 10 of his 15 starts and was crowned European Champion Stayer in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He subsequently established himself as a top jump stallion and was crowned British Champion National Hunt Sire 11 times.
On the track he became only the second horse to win non-consecutive renewals of the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 1998 and 2000 and gained back-to-back successes in the Irish St Leger in 1998 and 1999.
“Kayf Tara was one of the best horses to run for Godolphin and wrote his name in the history books with his exploits,” said Bin Suroor.
“It’s sad that he is no longer with us, but he enjoyed hugely successful careers as a racehorse and a National Hunt stallion. He leaves us with some fantastic memories.”
At stud Kayf Tara sired the likes of Thistlecrack, the champion staying hurdler who won the 2016 King George VI Chase as a novice. He also sired Champion Chase winner Special Tiara, Irish Gold Cup winner Edwulf and Carruthers, who won the Hennessy.
Stud manager Simon Sweeting said: “‘This is a very sad day for all of us at Overbury. Kayf Tara really put us on the map and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been with him through every step of what transpired to be an extraordinary career as a jump stallion, in which he won more championships than any other British National Hunt sire in history.
“I remain immensely grateful to Sheikh Mohammed and the Darley team for entrusting him to us. He’s been such a great servant to the National Hunt game and to Overbury Stud, where he was looked after for most of his time by Dan Matty. We will miss him terribly.”
