Sad news from Europe overnight with the passing of champion mare Goldikova at age 16.
Bred and raced by Wertheimer et Frere, one of France's leading privately-owned breeding operations, Goldikova was the Champion Miler of her time and Horse of the Year in Europe for 2010, racing on until the end of her six year-old season.
The daughter of Anabaa retired with 17 wins, 14 of them in Group I races with three wins in the Breeders Cup Mile stamping her as a legend.
Reflecting on her racing career, Wertheimer racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureau said:
"There are so many memories but for me personally there are two days that stand out. The third Breeders' Cup Mile showed she was truly exceptional.
"She also won four Prix Rothschilds but the race in France which really moved me was when she won the Marois by six lengths. The whole crowd applauded her for ten minutes and that was a magic moment.
"Winning at Royal Ascot was also great but, for me, that Jacques le Marois was exceptional. Everyone in the team is always there in Deauville and it's a wonderful atmosphere, while being an important part of the year for all of us.
"That said, you can't underestimate how much pleasure everyone involved got from getting the hat-trick in the Breeders' Cup."
Goldikova has had four foals to race for two winners with the best being Galileo filly Terrakova, a Group III winner that placed in the French Oaks.
She also has an unraced a filly by Dubawi called Goldistyle and a just turned two year-old colt by Galileo called Lehman.
