breednet.com.au

National Defense - Sudden Passing

Media Release - Saturday September 17

Widden Stud regret to report the untimely passing of Victorian-based shuttle stallion National Defense.

The Group 1-winning son of Invincible Spirit was Champion 2YO in France following his victory in the Chantilly Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Gr.1) and rated second on the European 2YO Colt’s Classification during his racing career.

National Defense

From only a handful of Northern Hemisphere-bred runners, National Defense has produced from his first crop the exceptional 2YO filly TWILIGHT GLEAMING, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Gr.2), Prix de la Vallee d’Auge (L) and Royal Ascot Queen Mary (Gr.2) runner-up.

Advertisement

His oldest Australian progeny are yet to be raced, but with eighty 2YOs in the Southern Hemisphere this season, we look forward to seeing his name live on through their performances.

Any further enquiries can be directed to Antony Thompson on 0427 470 507 or antony@widden.com.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Millions - The Book
The famous US sports journo, Red Smith, once proclaimed that : “writing is easy … I just sit down at my typewriter and open a vein”.
Tara Talks Racing – That Was Some Saturday of Racing!
If you are a racing fan this is a special time of year and for those of us that love this sport, last Saturday was as good as it gets for so many reasons!
Delacroix Brings Dubawi Outcross to Coolmore Roster
Blueblood 3YO Dubawi colt Delacroix has been retired and the dual Group I winner will stand at Coolmore in Ireland in 2026.
Foals From Famous Families
There’s now over 400 foals on the Breednet Foal Gallery and it’s easy to spend a bit too much time having a look for whatever might interest us but here’s a few born into famous families that always take the eye.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Hawkesbury
A lone 2YO went around in an 800m trial for two and three year-olds at Hawkesbury on Tuesday and the Snitzel colt won in good style carrying the Mulberry Racing colours.
2025 G1 Cox Plate Field and Barrier Draw
A field of nine has been finalised for the 2025 Cox Plate with favourite Via Sistina drawing gate seven for Chris Waller and James McDonald, while one three-year-old has accepted to run in Nepotism.
NZB Ready to Run Breeze Ups Complete for 2025
The final day of NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups saw a further 202 two-year-olds gallop down the home straight at Te Rapa Racecourse.
Pier Headed to Melbourne
Following his pleasing third placing in last Saturday’s A$5 million Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) at Randwick, trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley have decided to head south with Pier to test his talent in Melbourne.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday October 21
Here is the full list of 15 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Cambridge Stud Celebrate Ceolwulf Victory
Homebred Ceolwulf’s successful defence of his Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) title ensured Cambridge Stud celebrated a top day at Randwick.