European elder statesman Bering was put down at the Haras du Quesnay in Normandy on Friday after suffering from lymphangitis.  He was 28.

Bering was bred at Quesnay by Alec and Ghislaine Head and trained by their daughter Criquette to win the 1986 French Derby in record time before finishing second to Dancing Brave in that year’s memorable Arc de Triomphe.

Bering (Arctic Tern) was originally retired to stand at Gainesway in Kentucky but was repatriated to stand at Quesnay until he was pensioned in 2009.

He is the sire of 63 stakes-winners, 6 of those at Group 1 level headed by Pennekamp (Dewhurst & English 2000 Guineas), Matiara (Poule d’Essai des Pouliches) and American Post (Poule d’Essai des Poulains).

Bering’s popularity was such that, in 1995, he was chosen as the first mate for Arc winner Urban Sea.  The resultant foal was Gallinule Stakes winner Urban Ocean.

Bering is becoming a force as a broodmare sire with the likes of last year’s world champion Harbinger.