Champion stallion Fastnet Rock, who passed away at age 24 at Coolmore Australia, was a record-breaking sire with 44 Group 1 winners, including the Australian Racehorse of the Year Via Sistina. Son of Danehill, Fastnet Rock had a stellar racing career before becoming one of the most successful Australian-bred stallions, shuttling between Australia and Ireland. He produced 1,594 winners across 33 countries, with progeny earnings nearing $290 million, and held the record for the most Group 1 winners by an Australian-bred horse. His influence extended beyond racing, as he was also a champion broodmare sire in Australia, with daughters producing multiple Group 1 winners.

Fastnet Rock’s legacy is marked by his consistency and impact on the breeding industry, having been Australia’s Champion sire twice and also claiming titles in Hong Kong and Bahrain. His top progeny include multiple Group 1 winners like Via Sistina, Avantage, Atlantic Jewel, and Mosheen. Stud principal Tom Magnier expressed deep gratitude for Fastnet Rock’s contribution to Coolmore and the broader racing community, highlighting the stallion’s kind nature and lasting influence on Australian thoroughbred breeding.