“The powerhouse chestnut horse that drew the world’s attention to Australia as a source of the high calibre sprinter”. (Tony Arnold)

Biography

TRAINER: Paul Perry

OWNERS: Terry, Diane, Helen and John Wallace and Paul and Chlorene 'Cassie' Perry

RACE RECORD/STAKE MONEY: 23:7-5-6/$2,258,545

About

Choisir created racing history in 2003 when he became the first Australian horse in modern times to win at Royal Ascot.

Choisir was purchased for the modest sum of $55,000 at the William Inglis Classic sale. Trained in Newcastle by part owner Paul Perry, Choisir showed early promise with placings in the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes and the Golden Slipper Stakes, and wins in the AJC Breeders’ Plate, AJC William Inglis Classic, STC Skyline Stakes, and VRC Emirates Classic. His full potential was realised when he staged a superb solo performance on the inside rail to win the 2003 Group 1 VRC Lightning Stakes at Flemington.

Persuaded by the authority of his Flemington win, his owners entered Choisir for the Group 2 (now Group 1) King’s Stand Stakes and the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. His convincing wins in both races, in the space of five days, were hailed as the equal of anything achieved abroad by an Australian horse. In his final race in England, the Group 1 July Cup at Newmarket, Choisir ran a courageous second.

Following his English success, Choisir was sold to Coolmore Stud where he has had a successful career as a sire.

Image Source: Bradley Photographers