Former New Zealand shuttle sire Bertolini has died of a heart attack at stud in France.  The 17 year-old stallion had just covered a mare at Haras des Faunes.

Bertolini (Danzig) was bred in Kentucky and purchased by Sheikh Mohammed for $750,000 at the Keeneland July yearling.  He won the Group 3 July Stakes in 1998 and the European Free Handicap the following season.  He also was Group 1-placed five times in England and France.

Bertolini’s first crop featured 2005 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Donna Blini.  She went on to produce Gentildonna (Deep Impact) who won Japan’s Filly Triple Crown, a Japan Cup and earn Horse of the Year honours in 2012.

He shuttled to Rich Hill Stud in Matamata from 2002 to 2006 siring the stakes winners Juice, Solvini, All In Brawl, Italian Princess, Puttanesca and Xbert.  All up, there have been 114 winners in Australia & NZ at a 60% strike-rate.  A former Darley stallion, Bertolini stood at Overbury Stud in Gloucestershire before heading to Haras des Faunes late last year.