Earlier this month, Arrowfield Stud, and the entire Australian breeding industry, mourned the death of champion sire Snitzel.
Known for his soundness and vitality throughout most of his life, Snitzel began to show signs of age-related decline in 2024. Despite comprehensive veterinary support, the decision was made to allow him a peaceful and dignified farewell.
Arrowfield acknowledges the profound impact of his passing and also recognises the many people and partnerships that made Snitzel’s career possible. These include breeder Francois Naude; trainer Gerald Ryan, the ownership partners, and the many breeders, buyers, trainers and jockeys who contributed to the success of his progeny across Australia and internationally.
Snitzel, a son of Redoute’s Choice and grandson of Danehill, was a Group 1-winning sprinter on the track and became an era-defining sire at stud. From the time he joined the Arrowfield roster in 2006, he would go on to sire 160 stakeswinners, including multiple Group 1 champions and leave an indelible mark on the national breeding landscape.
As one of only 6 stallions in 140 years to win four or more consecutive Australian General Stallion Premierships, and the first since Danehil, Snitzel dominated the Australian sire rankings with his versatility across sprinters and stayers. His sons and daughters have carried his qualities forward and are already proving themselves in the breeding shed, ensuring that his legacy will continue.
