Racing: Grand old sire is put down

New Zealand's four-time leading sire Holmes Hanover was put down on veterinary advice on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old stud had been suffering from a deteriorating arthritic condition in both knees, Nevele R Stud said.

An Albatross sire, Holmes Hanover is the sire of top race performers in Holmes DG (32 wins, $1.9 million in stakes), Homin Hosed (New Zealand Cup) and Another Party (Hunter Cup).

Holmes Hanover was second on the sire's list behind trotting stud Sundon last season, and sired 128 individual winners for just over $1.6 million in stakes.

During his outstanding stud career, Holmes Hanover's progeny earned over $50 million in stakes worldwide.

In his 20 years at Nevele R Stud Holmes Hanover served more than 4500 mares.

- NZPA