MULLINS Bay, a resident sire of Summerhill Stud, has died at age 15.

Mullins Bay was out of a brilliant female line – his dam Bella Colora by Bellypha, won three times in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and realised a childhood dream for his part owner Mick Goss when he raced in the British Gr1 Champion Stakes.

Mullins Bay,who in the latter part of his career was trained by Mike de Kock, was the best racing son of sire of sires Machiavellian in the world in 2006, and earned a Timeform Rating of 121. A 525.000 guineas yearling, he raced in the UK and UAE, achieving three wins over distances of 1800-2000m from 3 to 4 years old. He had 14 starts and took home 12 cheques, including a Gr3 win at three years old, and placing in Group and Listed races seven times.

He is a half-brother to three Bold Black Type horses, Alkaadhem, Stage Craft and Hyabella. Stage Craft (by Sadler’s Wells) was the highest weighted older Horse in Europe and is now a sire. Another two sires, both full-brothers by Sadler’s Wells can be found under Mullins Bay’s second dam – that being Kayf Tara and Opera House.

Mick Goss is quoted on Summerhill’s website regarding the acquisition of Mullins Bay: “Here was a horse with a prince’s pedigree, the looks of a demi-god and the movement of a panther. He wound up one of Europe’s most expensive yearlings.”

Amongst his best progeny to date is Emilio Basiero’s talented 5-time winning chestnut, Gitiano – winner of the KZN Breeders Million Mile and finishing third in the Gr1 SA Classic. Another is Gr3 Tony Ruffel Stakes placed Mr Mulliner, Tynchy Strider, Casey’s Dance (winner of the Zimbabwean Triple Tiara), Shingle Beach and Mount Hillaby amongst others. Our condolences to all at Summerhill Stud.

– from Sporting Post.