The thoroughbred world is mourning the loss of Savabeel, one of the most influential stallions ever to stand in the Southern Hemisphere, following his passing on 19 June 2026 at the age of 24.

A brilliant racehorse and an extraordinary sire, Savabeel leaves behind a legacy that has shaped New Zealand racing and breeding for more than a decade. From his victory in the 2004 W.S. Cox Plate to becoming a ten-time Champion New Zealand Sire, his impact on the breed is unlikely to be matched anytime soon.

Champion On The Track

Foaled on 23 September 2001, Savabeel was bred by Glenlogan Park and boasted an elite pedigree as a son of the legendary Zabeel out of Savannah Success.

Trained by Graeme Rogerson, Savabeel raced only 14 times, recording three victories, three seconds and a third. His crowning moment came during the spring of 2004 when he captured both the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes and the prestigious W.S. Cox Plate under Chris Munce.

His Cox Plate triumph secured his place among the elite racehorses of his generation and remains one of the defining moments of his career.

A Stallion For The Ages

While his racing career was impressive, it was at stud where Savabeel truly made history.

Standing at Waikato Stud, he emerged as the dominant sire in New Zealand's modern era, consistently producing horses capable of winning at the highest level across a range of distances and racing disciplines.

His remarkable consistency was reflected in a 73% winners-to-runners ratio and an outstanding 11% stakes winners-to-runners ratio.

No stallion based in New Zealand during the modern era has matched his sustained success across the Grosvenor, Dewar and Centaine sire premierships.

Sire Of Champions

Savabeel's influence was carried by an extraordinary roster of elite performers including:

• Probabeel
• I Wish I Win
• Atishu
• Mo'unga
• Orchestral
• Cool Aza Beel
• Noverre
• Amarelinha
• Major Beel
• The Perfect Pink
• Provence
• Savaglee
• Belle Cheval

His final Group 1 winner arrived in March 2026 when Belle Cheval captured the Vinery Stud Stakes, becoming his 36th individual Group 1 winner.

Hall Of Fame Recognition

In May 2025, Savabeel's immense contribution to the industry was officially recognised when he was inducted into the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame.

The honour was fitting recognition for a stallion whose influence extended far beyond the racetrack, helping Waikato Stud establish itself as one of Australasia's premier breeding operations.

An Enduring Legacy

Few horses excel both on the racetrack and in the breeding barn.

Fewer still leave an impact that changes an industry.

Savabeel achieved both.

From a Cox Plate-winning colt to a Hall of Fame stallion and ten-time Champion Sire, he leaves behind a record that ranks among the finest in Australasian thoroughbred history.

His sons and daughters will continue to compete at the highest level, while future generations emerging from his daughters ensure that his influence will remain woven into the fabric of the breed for decades to come.

Rest in peace, Savabeel.
23 September 2001 – 19 June 2026