Legendary Shadwell Stud sire Green Desert has been put down aged 32 – he had been pensioned from stud duties in 2011.

Green Desert was raced by Sheikh Maktoum to win the 1986 July Cup and he also finished second behind Dancing Brave in the English 2000 Guineas.

Shadwell director Richard Lancaster paid tribute to Green Desert on Wednesday.  “Although small in stature, he had a big personality and was hugely loved and revered by everyone at Shadwell.

“We also appreciate the support Green Desert received throughout his time at stud from breeders across the world.  He was our flagship stallion and we are very proud to be a part of his legacy.

“He will be remember as an excellent racehorse, a ground-breaking sire and a lasting influence on modern thoroughbred racing and breeding.”

Green Desert (Danzig) has sired 12 individual Group 1 winners and more than 90 stakes winners.  Three of those top-flight winners – Cape Cross, Invincible Spirit and Oasis Dream – are excelling at stud.

GREEN DESERT