Rich Man's Gold died of a heart attack last Saturday morning at Wilgerbosdrift. He was 13.
The son of Forty Niner won twice and was a close 2nd in the Rebel Stks (Gr3) before injury curtailed his career. The good looking chestnut began his stud career in Chile where from limited opportunities he became leading first-crop sire. His best offspring include top-class Chilean runners St Jaques, France Soir and Twingo.
His offspring made their mark in North America as well thanks to the likes of Lido Palace (Woodward Stks (Gr1)-twice), Isola Piu Bella (Sixty Sails Hcp (Gr3) and Tamburello (Gallant Fox Hcp).
Lido Palace, who stands at stud in Florida, will be represented by his first yearlings next year.
He was imported to stand at Wilgerbosdrift in 2001. A much sought after sire in the sale ring, his first yearlings sold at the National Yearling Sales averaged over R400,000. He has had 25 runners for 14 winners with his first South African bred crop.
To date he has been represented by promising three year olds Sun Screen, Executive Jet, General Tilney and Money Bags.
In South Africa, his imported son Frescobaldi won his first three starts and ran four lengths back in the Summer Cup.