Piccolo Dies Of Colic At 25

Piccolo (GB) (Warning {GB}–Woodwind {Fr}, by Whistling Wind I{GB}), both a Group 1 winning racehorse and a Group 1 producing stallion was put down last Sunday after succumbing to a bout of colic. He was 25 years of age and had been covering mares at Throckmorton Stud right up until his death. The stud's Simon Balding said, “It wasn't anything obvious to start with but he was in pain and it was unbearable to see a horse like him suffering. He had a good innings and made a lot of friends. He was a kind, lovely horse in every way and we were very lucky to have him.” Piccolo was trained by Mick Channon and had his finest hour at York in 1994 when he won the G1 Nunthorpe S. Upon hearing the news the trainer said on Twitter, “Just heard the superb Piccolo has died at the grand old age of 25. I owe him so much. A superb racehorse and a smashing stallion.” Bred by the Stanley Estate And Stud Co, Piccolo originally retired to Lavington Stud in 1996 and he developed a reputation for siring fast precocious juveniles. His daughter La Cucaracha (GB), one of three Group 1 winners he sired emulated his best racecourse achievement by landing the G1 Nunthorpe S. at York in 2005. His reach spread worldwide with him also being the sire of Australian Group 1 winners Temple Of Boom (Aus) and Picaday (Aus).