It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic passing of the much-loved Melbourne Cup hero, Fiorente (IRE), at the age of 15 after battling an ongoing chronic illness.
Originally in the care of Hall Of Fame trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, Fiorente was bred by the famous Ballymacoll Stud in Co Meath. Ireland. An impressive winner of the G2 Princess Of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket, Fiorente was later purchased by Gai Waterhouse with the dream of winning a Melbourne Cup. That dream almost became reality at his first Australian start when narrowly beaten by Green Moon in the “Race that Stops the Nation”.
The skill of Gai combined with the courage and tenacity of Fiorente meant it was unlikely that the Melbourne Cup would elude them for long. The very next year after a luckless 3rd in the Cox Plate, we witnessed a great battle between two superstar stayers. Fiorente wouldn’t be denied however as he got the better of Red Cadeaux for victory on the first Tuesday in November, 2013.
Gai Waterhouse said, “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Fiorente. He gave me the greatest joy of my racing life winning the Melbourne Cup in 2013. He was the most beautiful horse to train, so talented and handsome, and he took everything before him. “
He retired to stud in 2014 with huge support from breeders, covering 186 mares in his first season, such was the admiration the industry had for such a tough, willing individual.
“We’re all devastated,” said Phil Marshall who has worked with Fiorente since his retirement to Sun Stud then Widden Victoria.
“Fiorente was unbelievably tough, but at the same time an absolute gentleman. The staff who knew him well are understandably shattered; he will be greatly missed not only by us but by the whole industry. Throughout his career, he was able to produce horses with the same bravery and tenacity, which he had in spades.”
“Everyone saw his daughter Lunar Flare win so impressively at Flemington recently, and she looks to have a fantastic chance to win a Melbourne Cup herself. That would be extra special for all of us here,” added Adam Henry.
Fiorente leaves us as the sire of 148 winners, 15 stakes performers with progeny earnings of $15m including Ggroup II winners Lunar Flare, Stars Of Carrum and Hawkshot.
