Six-time Group One winner Desert War dies

Australia’s horseracing world mourns the passing of champion racehorse .

Desert War gained fame as an Australian Thoroughbred gelding with an impressive record, including six Group One (G1) wins.

Among his victories were the Epsom Handicap, which he won twice in 2004 and 2005, the Chipping Norton Stakes, LKS Mackinnon Stakes, AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and Ranvet Stakes.

The gelding, recognized by a star and a white sock on his left hind leg, was sired by Desert King, the sire of multiple stakes winners including Makybe Diva (GB).

Gai Waterhouse, Desert War’s celebrated trainer, paid homage to the champion on Twitter.

“Very few stand out in the way Desert War did. He was a warrior, a war horse, defying his competitors, fighting out race finesses against the best Australia could offer,” she said.

After 45 starts, 12 wins, 2 seconds, and 9 thirds for $3,046,610, Desert War took his final bow at the 2008 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

As we say farewell, Desert War’s legacy as a gentle giant and formidable competitor remains etched in the annals of Australian horseracing.

— Gai Waterhouse AO (@GaiWaterhouse1) June 22, 2023