The great Halling dies, aged 25

Halling, an outstanding racehorse and sire, has died at the age of 25.

Initially trained by John Gosden to win the 1994 Cambridgeshire, he subsequently joined Saeed bin Suroor and Godolphin, where his career really took off.

Victories in the 1995 Eclipse and Juddmonte International announced him on the big stage and he even went on to run in the Breeders' Cup Classic won by American great Cigar that year.

The following season Halling proved himself as just about the best 10-furlong performer in Europe, winning the Eclipse and International again, as well as the Prix D'Ispahan.

Those successes came after he had disappointed in the Dubai World Cup, proving conclusively he did not act on a dirt surface.

He signed off his career finishing second to the brilliant Bosra Sham in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket.

Among his top-class progeny are Gosden's Jack Hobbs, last year's Irish Derby winner, smart stayers Cavalryman and Opinion Poll and even top-class chaser Deep Purple.

Bin Suroor was well aware of the influence Halling had on everyone connected with Godolphin.

"He won five Group Ones for us," he said.

"He was wonderful, one of the best, and was great for Godolphin. He's also gone on to be a great stallion, too.

"His legacy as a stallion will still live on in his colts and fillies that are still racing all over the world.

"His Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) loved him, he was one of his favourites, and we will all miss him.

"In his first year with us he won two Group Ones and then in his second year he won three. His only two bad runs for us were both on dirt.

"Over 10 furlongs on turf there were not many better."