Champion Observatory Passes at 22

[Wandering Eyes]

Champion miler Observatory (Distant View–Stellaria, by Roberto), who bore the Prince Khalid Abdullah silks to a win in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. and G1 Prix d’Ispahan, passed away at 22, Juddmonte announced on Thursday. The Kentucky-bred homebred was named the English highweight 3-year-old colt from 7-9 1/2 furlongs in 2000.

Retired to Banstead Manor Stud for the 2002 season, the chestnut’s greatest claim to fame was as the sire of Juddmonte runner Twice Over (GB), a four-time Group 1 winner. Also responsible for G1SW African Rose (GB) and eight other black-type winners, the flashy chestnut has sired seven stakes winners as a broodmare sire, including G1SWs Vorda (Fr), and Epicuris (GB); G2 Coventry S. hero Calyx (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and GSW Fair Eva (GB). The last named was the first group stakes winner for Observatory’s barnmate Frankel (GB) out of the aforementioned African Rose. Pensioned since 2013, the John Gosden trainee has resided at Banstead Manor Stud since.

“Observatory possessed the most wonderful nature and character-he was an absolute delight to have around the stallion yard and even in retirement he played an integral role within the team,” said Banstead Manor Stud Director UK Simon Mockridge. “Our most enduring memory will be his stunning defeat of the ‘Iron Horse’ Giant’s Causeway in the QEII at Ascot, a memorable ride by Kevin Darley bringing him wide in the home straight for victory. He will be sorely missed by all at Juddmonte.”

Out of the Listed Rose Bowl S. victrix Stellaria, Observatory was a half-brother to MGSW High Praise (Quest for Fame {GB}) and to the dam of G3 Gordon S. hero Rebel Soldier (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).

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