Crystal Lily’s sudden death at Flemington on Friday morning follows the demise of three Group 1 winning stallions in the last 48 hours.

Crystal Lily (Stratum) collapsed after a jump-out in preparation for the G1 Manikato Stakes on September 20.  The Golden Slipper winner had earned over $2.65 million for Contract Racing owner David Moodie.

High-profile Kentucky stallion Rahy (Blushing Groom) has died at Three Chimneys Farm aged 26.

Rahy sired 91 stakes winners including Fantastic Light, Serena’s Song and Noverre.  As a broodmare sire, Rahy has been represented by more than 100 stakes winners headed by Giant’s Causeway.

Runaway 1985 English Derby winner Slip Anchor has passed away at the age of 29.  He was trained by Henry Cecil for Lord Howard de Walden and won the Epsom Downs classic by seven lengths under USA jockey Steve Cauthen.

Slip Anchor was a third-generation winner of the classic following Shirley Heights (1978) and Mill Reef (1971).  He sired 32 stakes winners including 1992 Cartier Horse of the Year User Friendly.

Closer to home, Victory Prince was put down at Moss Vale based Manx Park Stud on Wednesday.  He was 30.

Victory Prince (Imperial Prince) was a G1 winner of the 1984 AJC Sires’ Produce and at stud he sired 2YO G1 winners Tierce and Principality.