Champion racehorse and sire Theatrical has died at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms in Kentucky.  He was 30.

Theatrical (Nureyev – Tree Of Knowledge by Sassafras) won the 1987 Breeders’ Cup Turf and at stud has sired 22 Group 1 winners.  He was pensioned in 2009.

“We were honoured to stand Theatrical,” Hill ‘n’ Dale president John Sikura said.  “He was not only a great stallion, but had become like a member of the family.  Our staff cared for him so personally in his retirement, tending to his every need.”

Theatrical (Ire) was raced by the late Allen E. Paulson and retired to his base at Brookside Farm.  Following Paulson’s death in 2001, the stallion was moved to Hill ‘n’ Dale.

Theatrical won a half dozen Group 1 races in 1987 with Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.  His season and racing career ended that year with a thrilling victory over European superstar Trempolino at Hollywood Park in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

Among his top runners were triple Japanese champion Hishi Amazon, Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle, Champion Irish 3YO Zagreb, Irish Champion filly Theoretically and French classic winner Madeleine’s Dream.  He was also the sire of North American millionaires Royal Anthem, Geri, Astra, Shakespeare and Mrs. Lindsay.

Theatrical’s sister Chris Penrod is based at Kia Ora Stud and she is the dam of four winners in Australia.  Theatrical’s only son out here is WA based Westbury Park sire Startac.