The bloodstock world is in mourning following the tragic death of St Jean, the breeding stallion who sired 2025 Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours. The champion sire passed away in a freak paddock accident at his home in Victoria, mere weeks after his progeny's historic victory.
A Sudden and Tragic End
In a statement released by owner Grant Dwyer, the devastating news was confirmed. St Jean died on the morning of November 25th after a severe overnight injury. The stallion was discovered having run into a fence post, an incident that resulted in catastrophic injuries.
'It is with great sadness that I wish to announce the passing of our beloved Stallion St. Jean,' Dwyer said. The accident left the horse with a shattered near-side front leg around the elbow region. The injuries were so severe that the difficult decision was made to euthanise the animal, ending his life.
A Legacy Cemented by Half Yours
St Jean's passing comes at a poignant time, less than a month after his most famous offspring, Half Yours, clinched victory in Australia's most celebrated race, the Melbourne Cup. The win propelled Half Yours to favouritism, a status it earned after a previous triumph at the Caulfield Cup.
Despite having stood for nine seasons at Brackley Park, the property of Grant and Joanne Dwyer in Victoria, St Jean had not been in significant demand as a stallion prior to this success. However, the spectacular performance of Half Yours on the track sparked a sudden and notable increase in requests for his breeding services.
An Untimely Loss for the Breeding Industry
Dwyer emphasised the cruel timing of the stallion's death, noting that the breeding community was just beginning to recognise his value. 'His death was very untimely as breeders were only starting to recognise what an incredible pedigree this stallion had,' he lamented.
This season was set to be a resurgence for the stallion, but his potential was cut short. The news has sent shockwaves through the racing and breeding industries, marking a sad epilogue to a story of recent triumph. St Jean served five mares last season, a number that was expected to rise significantly following his son's Melbourne Cup victory.
