Vale Magnus 2002-2023
One of the true warriors of the Australian turf has been euthanized due to age related issues. On vets advice, he (Magnus) was humanely treated in his final hours.
He left his mark on the racetracks around the world, with his most notable victory achieved in the famed Gr.1 Galaxy over 1100m at Warwick Farm piloted by the masterful Damien Oliver. Magnus performed with distinction overseas on many occasions. A gallant 3rd in the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot behind Australia’s own Miss Andretti, defeating another ‘Aussie’ superstar Takeover Target in the process. He also demonstrated his brilliance with a narrow defeat into 2nd behind Takeover Target in the Krisflyer International Sprint held at Kranji.
Magnus raced in a golden era packed full of elite sprinters; Miss Andretti, Takeover Target, Weekend Hussler, Apache Cat, Gold Edition (Magnus being the only entire in this auspicious group). A group which he shared podium finishes in no less than 7 group ones.
Being a million-dollar stakes earner ‘back in the day’ among the aforementioned group was some effort and a hint of what was to come in the breeding barn for this son of Flying Spur from the bluehen mare, Scandinavia owned and bred by Robert Crabtree.
“Magnus took us around the world,” said Crabtree. “He gave us the full circle, we bred him, raced him around the globe and stood him at stud. He really has given us the ride of a lifetime.”
Magnus soon became the most reliable of sires, retiring to Eliza Park in 2008, he’s been an unbelievable source of winners ever since. Stats don’t lie, sometimes they flatter, but the Magnus ‘briefcase’ contains some real treasures. He has produced 525 winners at a staggering 72% winners to runners, featuring 4 Group One winners and to date 17 individual million-dollar earners. Overall, his progeny have earned $82 Million and still counting.
Widden Victoria’s Phil Marshall has worked alongside Magnus from the beginning of his stud career. “It’s an incredibly sad day for me personally,” said Marshall. “Magnus was a gem, a real character, and everyone who has worked with him will agree. We will all remember his quirks and of course his incredible talent as a sire. The Victorian breeding industry has lost a star”.
It’s now as a broodmare sire where Magnus is shining brightly, reflecting on his outstanding bloodlines through not only Flying Spur – Australia’s Champion sire, but also Scandinavia, truly a matriarch. Already the broodmare sire of 75 winners and boasting a 10% stakes horses to winners ratio including the Dorrington Farm bred Group one winner Mizzy.
Scandinavia is a ‘one dam on the page’ broodmare with no less than 13 stakes winners from her direct line. Names likes All Too Hard, Scandiva, Ole Kirk, the immortal Black Caviar and of course Magnus himself. Another potential highlight from this superb family looks to be ‘Scampi’ out of Sistonic (Scandinavia’s granddaughter) after his impressive trial. He could very well add further black type in the upcoming Breeders’ Plate.
Magnus, much loved by everyone connected to him, will be laid to rest next to his dam, Scandinavia at Robert Crabtree’s Dorrington Farm in Nagambie. “Magnus has been incredible for me and my family, and we feel honored to oversee the final resting place for him with the love, affection and respect, which Magnus both earned and deserves.
“It is with great gratitude to the Widden Victoria management and staff, we acknowledge the care given to our much loved big man.”
