One-time NZ shuttler Soviet Star (USA) has died at Ballylinch Stud in Ireland.  He passed away peacefully on Tuesday aged 30.

Ballylinch managing director John O’Connor said Soviet Star was an outstanding racehorse who will be seen in pedigrees for years to come.  “It’s the end of a long and productive life.  He was a lovely, kind horse, very easy to deal with.  It was a privilege to look after him.

“In recent years he slowed up a little but he did cover one mare this year and got her in foal.”

Soviet Star (Nureyev) was trained by Andre Fabre for Sheikh Mohammed to win at Group 1 level in the French 2000 Guineas, Sussex Stakes and Prix de la Foret.  He returned at four to land the July Cup and Prix du Moulin – in the latter he became the only colt to beat the mighty Miesque.

He stood six seasons at Dalham Hall in Newmarket siring Group 1 winners Ashkalani, Limpid, Soviet Line and Starborough prior to a Japanese transfer.

Before returning to Europe, he stood a one-off NZ season at Ra Ora Stud in 1999.  That single crop produced 86 foals – 32 were winners including 6 stakes winners topped by Starcraft.

Starcraft was a five-time Group 1 winner in NZ, Australia, England & France and emulated his sire in the 2005 Prix du Moulin at Longchamp.   Retired to Arrowfield Stud by owner Paul Makin, he got Group 1 winning colt Star Witness who is carrying on the sireline at Widden Stud.

Starcraft is now based at Rosemont Stud in Victoria where he stands for an $11,000 (inc gst) service fee.

SOVIET STAR