In a devastating blow to the Queensland breeding industry, Raheen Stud’s promising freshman sire Captain Sonador died in a freak paddock accident on Monday.

The stallion had been let out of his box into his yard as part of his normal routine when he reared and landed awkwardly, snapping his back leg.

“We are absolutely devastated to lose Captain Sonador before he could reach his potential,” Raheen Stud owner Basil Nolan said.

Captain Sonador (Shamardal – Pushing Daisies by Kenny’s Best Pal) scored a career-high Group 1 victory in the 2010 AJC Epsom Handicap at Randwick.  He became the first Queenslander to win the Epsom since the legendary ‘Goondiwindi Grey’ Gunsynd.

He also won the LR Goldmarket Handicap on the Gold Coast and placed in the G2 Hobartville Stakes and G1 Randwick Guineas.

Captain Sonador retired to Raheen Stud in 2011 and proved popular among breeders serving more than 300 mares in the past three seasons.

His first crop of yearlings attracted huge interest at both the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale and Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney last month fetching a top price of $75,000.

He will be represented by 23 yearlings at the Magic Millions QTIS Sale on the Gold Coast on March 17 and 18.