In a major blow to the Western Australian breeding industry, Demerit has been euthanased at Rangeview Stud in Burekup.

The 12 year-old son of Lonhro was put down on Monday morning after being found with a broken tibia in his paddock.  He had built a very successful 64% winners-to-runners strike-rate since retiring to Taunton Vale Stud in 2011.

Demerit was transferred to Rangeview in May following the death of Taunton Vale owner Kent Johnston.  His flying filly Agent Pippa blitzed a handy field at Rosehill recently at her first start for new trainer Kris Lees.  Her full brother Double Digit claimed his tenth race at Belmont in July following hard on the heels of Belmont winners Danny George and Defiantly.

It was expected the popular stallion would cover 100 mares during the 2019 stud season.  Bred and raced by Godolphin, Demerit was a well-performed Group 3 winner of the MRC Guineas Prelude at Caulfield defeating Manhattan Rain and Starspangledbanner.

Rangeview Stud and Taunton Vale posted the following tributes on Facebook;

“Demerit relocated to Rangeview Stud only 6 weeks ago and settled beautifully into his new surroundings.  Words can’t express our grief.  It’s a devastating loss for his new owners and the Western Australian breeding and racing industries.”  Rangeview Stud’s Rob & Jody Gray

“Demerit.  It’s been one hell of a ride the last eight years.  The black stallion we always wanted.  Galloping with his master in the sky.”  Taunton Vale’s Nina Johnston

DEMERIT