The racing community is mourning the loss of champion galloper Elvstroem, who passed away last week in France, where he had been standing at stud since 2016.
A son of the legendary Danehill, Elvstroem was purchased at auction for $300,000 and rose to become one of Australia’s most decorated racehorses.
Over his illustrious career, he notched up 10 victories from 32 starts, amassing a total of $5.7 million in prize money. Under the guidance of trainer Tony Vasil, Elvstroem claimed a series of major victories, including the 2004 Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and the 2003 Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m).
Following his Caulfield Cup triumph, Elvstroem competed in Australia’s biggest races, finishing eighth in the Cox Plate behind Savabeel and fourth in the Melbourne Cup behind the legendary Makybe Diva.
In 2005, he embarked on an international campaign, capturing the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes and later racing in Hong Kong, England, and France. Throughout his career, Elvstroem enjoyed a strong partnership with jockey Nash Rawiller, with the duo combining for four Group 1 wins from 17 rides together.
After retiring from racing, Elvstroem began his stud career at Blue Gum Stud in Victoria before moving to France, where he stood at the Haras du Petit Tellier breeding farm. His passing marks the end of an era for a horse who left an indelible mark on the racing world both on the track and at stud.
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