Leading Sire and Trailblazing Sprinter Choisir Passes Away at Age 22

Media Release - Tuesday December 7

It is with great sadness that Coolmore announces the passing of Choisir at the age of 22.

Advertisement

An Australian racing legend, Choisir has passed away.

The Paul Perry-trained sprinter was a tough and consistent galloper, with his domestic race career highlighted by victory in the Group I VRC Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

He will be remembered most however, for his wins in the Group II King’s Stand Stakes and Group I Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2003, where he became the first Australian horse to win at the Royal meeting.


In doing so, he would pave the way for a host of Australian-bred sprinters to taste success at Royal Ascot, including his champion son Starspangledbanner who emulated his success in the Golden Jubilee Stakes.


As a sire Choisir was ever consistent, producing an incredible 100 stakes-winners in 12 countries and 11 Group I winners throughout the world.

His legacy will live on through his sons and daughters at stud, where he has already proven himself a successful sire-of-sires and broodmare sire.

Coolmore Australia Principal, Tom Magnier paid tribute by saying, “I was lucky enough to be at Ascot in 2003 to witness his incredible triumphs on the Tuesday and then the Saturday where he was ridden by Johnny Murtagh.

“It was a great achievement for his trainer Paul Perry and paved the way for future Australian sprinters to compete with distinction on the world stage.

“Since he retired to the farm in 2003 he has been a favourite with all those who have worked with him, especially our long time Stallion Manager Gerry Ryan who was particularly fond of him. Choisir was the ultimate professional in all he did and every Stud dreams of having a stallion like him.

“We are so grateful to him and he will be sorely missed by the entire Coolmore team.”

Before Choisir was a stallion at stud, he was one of the most impressive sprinters you would ever see with images below courtesy of Steve Hart, thanks for the memories!


Advertisment
More Reading...
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Another Super Promising Winner for Ole Kirk
Ole Kirk is setting the pace among first season sires and added a new winner to his tally at Caulfield on Saturday with Sonofkirk producing a dazzling finish to score an eye-catching victory.
Proisir filly Wins 3YO Winter Championship
Matamata trainers Ken and Bev Kelso sent Levakia on a big road trip on Saturday in search of reasonable track conditions, and the plan paid off with victory in the $60,000 ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Ruakaka.
Tattersall’s Mile For The Inflictor - Under The Louvre’s Second SW
Third at Listed level before winning at Doomben, the Craig Cousins-trained The Inflictor (Under The Louvre) then tackled the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, and while not in the same league as winner War Wachine (Harry Angel), the 4yo gelding showed his class on Saturday to win the Listed BRC Tattersall’s Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
Super Seth 3YO Salutes for Baker
A tenacious front-running performance in Saturday’s A$160,000 Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill added a first city victory to Puntin’s burgeoning record.
Corumbene Stud Homebred Tashi Wins G1 Tatts Tiara
From the last crop of foals sired by Widden Stud’s much missed Golden Slipper winning sire Sebring, five year-old mare Tashi may also be his final Group I winner as she produced a career best performance at Eagle Farm on Saturday to win the $700,000 Group I Tatts Tiara (1400m).
Private Eye’s Half-Brother King’s Secret Wins Again
Although he may never reach the heights of his older half-brother Private Eye, a Group 1 winner and earner of more than $12m to date, connections of King’s Secret (Shalaa) are sure to have plenty of their own fun with the 3yo gelding winning at Rosehill on Saturday.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Miss Joelene Achieves Millionaire Status
This time last year, Miss Joelene was highlighting herself as one to watch for the future, having placed in the Group 2 The Roses and the Group 1 Queensland Oaks, and after a few runs behind the outstanding Antino (Redwood) this time in, a class drop on Saturday saw her record victory in the $200,000 Listed BRC Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2100m) at Eagle Farm.