'His presence will be greatly missed' - death of promising National Hunt sire Walzertakt

Group 2-winning stayer and promising National Hunt sire Walzertakt has died after an accident while in rehab. 

The 15-year-old son of Montjeu and half-brother to Deutsches Derby hero Wiener Walzer started his career in Germany with Marion Rotering before transferring to Jean-Pierre Carvalho. 

His career highlight came when winning the Group 2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil at Longchamp as a six-year-old, while he also netted the Group 3 Prix Gladiateur after the disqualification of Fly With Me for a banned substance.

Having initial stood at Haras de la Hetraie and then Haras de la Croix Sonnet, Walzertakt moved to Chapel Stud in Worcestershire in 2022. He had made a positive start as a jumps sire, with his progeny progressing well on the track. 

Walzertakt: high-class performer on the trackCredit: Chapel Stud

His notable runners have included the Grade 3-placed chaser Klitchko De Belair, and winners Wal Cassandre, Zertakt and Takt De Touques. He also has plenty of promising youngsters in training in France, Ireland and Britain.   

Roisin Close, Chapel Stud’s manager, said: "Unfortunately, Walzertakt incurred an accident while receiving rehab in preparation to stand next season and, despite everyone’s best efforts to save him, he had to be put to sleep. 

"We extend our condolences to Simon Davies at DahlBury, on whose behalf we stood him. Known as ‘Walt’ to all of us in the yard, his presence will be greatly missed."

Davies said: "We're devastated with the news of the freak accident to Walzertakt and saddened mainly for Roisin and the team that looked after him.

"He was a stallion with great potential and temperament who was only just getting going in Britain."

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