Champion sire Encosta De Lago dies at the age of 25, his best performed son at stud Puccini is set to carry on his wonderful sire line.

It has been a sad week for the thoroughbred industry with the legendary Encosta De Lago passing away after 14 years of service at Coolmore Australia. A multiple champion sire and current reigning champion Broodmare sire, Encosta De Lago will be remembered as one of the greatest Australian bred sires of all time.

Sire of an incredible 26 Gr.1 winners worldwide, his progeny have amassed in excess of $180 million in prize money, with top performers including Puccini, Chautauqua, Racing to Win, Alinghi and English.

"'Encosta' will be greatly missed by all who dealt with him at Coolmore over the last 14 years," Coolmore Australia principal Tom Magnier said. "He was a horse with a beautiful nature and we were lucky to have him."

Puccini is his best performed son standing at stud in New Zealand and he now looks to carry on his sire's great legacy. Puccini was a tremendously gifted galloper who was stakes placed at 2, a Gr.1 Derby hero and 3-time Guineas winner at 3, and a Gr.1 Thorndon Mile champion at 4. Puccini was crowned Champion 3yo Horse of the Year after his mesmerising Derby victory which cemented his position at the top of his 3yo class.

Puccini stands at Mapperley Stud for $5000+gst in 2018. His current service fee provides breeders with an excellent opportunity to access the breed shaping Encosta De Lago sire line.