Gooree Park Stud are mourning the loss of their War Horse, Desert War, due to the effects of old age. He was 22.
Desert War was a 4th generation Gooree Park Stud home-bred gelding who was the perfect example of a Gooree Park bred and raised champion - he was tough with a big heart, and loved racing. Trained by Gai Waterhouse, she showcased his incredible talent and grit on the track as he won 10 stakes races with six of them being Group 1 wins.
Gai showed just how much she admired Desert War as she named one of her Randwick stables after him. She would have trained more brilliant horses over the years, but certainly none tougher!
On the track, The War Horse, or Dessie, as he was affectionately known at the stables, captured the hearts of Australian Racegoers with his bold front running "catch me if you can" tactics. He would roll along at a very high cruising speed and more often than not, prove very hard to get past. He was such a tough horse and loved a battle!
Off the track, he was loved by many as he spent his year in retirement at Gooree Park Stud. He was a favourite and much sought after part of the “Gooree Wine Tour” as thousands of visitors booked in to visit the old War Horse and have their chance to get up close for a photo and to give him carrots and pears.
Desert War was Awarded Champion Middle Distance Horse of 2007 and following is a list of his Gr 1 wins!
2004/2005 Gr1 Epsom Hcp
2006 Gr1 Chipping Norton Stks
2006 Gr1 Mackinnon Stks
2007 Gr 1 Ranvet Stks
2007 Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stks
Desert War will be laid to rest in the Hill Of Champions at Gooree Park.
Rest In Peace, Dessie!!!
