The highs and lows of racing and breeding were shockingly brought into focus at Widden Stud on Tuesday when Northern Meteor died suddenly from a swift and fatal attack of colic.

Set to be crowned Australia’s Champion First Season Sire today, Northern Meteor was bred and raced by Gooree Stud and retired to Widden in 2009.

His first crop of two year-olds have dominated this season in spectacular fashion and the Group I winning son of Encosta de Lago had the breeding world at his feet.

“We’re all still in a state of shock,” revealed Widden owner Antony Thompson.  “Northern Meteor suffered a severe bout of colic requiring surgery 18 months ago, but has been in perfect health since then, so this has come completely out of left field.

“It came on very quickly this time at about 9pm tonight and despite the very best of veterinary care, he died shortly after.”

Prepared by Gai Waterhouse, Northern Meteor was an explosive sprinter that set track records at Canterbury and Randwick before scoring a career defining win in the G1 VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes.

“He was a strong and noble horse that made a lasting impression on all who knew him and to say we are shattered here would be an understatement. It’s devastating for Mr Cojuangco, the team at Gooree and everyone at Widden,” Thompson added.

“At a time when we expected to be sharing and celebrating his success and achievements as Champion First Season Sire with our many clients and friends, we are instead mourning his death and wondering what might have been.”