Former Widden Stud shuttler Helissio died of a suspected heart attack at Scarvagh House Stud on Tuesday.  The 1996 Arc de Triomphe winner was 20.

Helissio (Fairy King) was trained byEllie Lellouche to five Group 1 wins headed by a five length victory in the Arc.  That performance earned him European Horse of the Year honours in 1996.

Helissio (Fr) stood at several farms around the world including Widden Stud and Shadai Farm in Japan where he sired Melbourne Cup runner-up Pop Rock.

He shuttled to Widden for two spells, firstly in 1998-99 and again in 2003 after his son Helenus won the 2002 Caulfield Guineas – Victoria Derby double.

Helissio’s death was a double blow for Scarvagh House.  The Irish stud lost Exit to Nowhere (USA) last week.  A son of Irish River, he is the damsire of 2007 VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss (Danehill Dancer).