Ground-breaking grey mare Horlicks has died aged 28.  The 1989 Japan Cup winner had been in retirement at Cambridge Stud since foaling a One Cool Cat colt in 2006.  

Horlicks (Three Legs – Malt by Moss Trooper) was raced by owner-breeder Graham de Gruchy and was trained by Dave O’Sullivan.  She has been buried at de Gruchy’s Hawkes Bay property.

The 1989 Japan Cup was the high point of her illustrious racing career.  She won 17 races overall and her other Group 1 victories included the 1989 Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington when she defeated an all-star cast headlined by Vo Rogue and Super Impose.

Horlicks (NZ) foaled G1 Melbourne Cup winner Brew and G2 Avondale Guineas winner Bubble who were both by Cambridge Stud champion Sir Tristram.  Her Maroof filly Latte foaled G1 AJC Derby winner Fiumicino (Zabeel).

Her sixth and final winner arrived last November when the One Cool Cat four year-old Tiger scored a two length victory at Riccarton.  He is raced by de Gruchy and Riccarton trainer Terri Rae.