Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh dies aged 29
Living Legends have announced that 1999 Melbourne Cup winner Rogan Josh has sadly passed away.
The rising 30-year-old gelding was one of the original nine ‘legends’ to reside at the international home of rest for champion horses.
‘Josh’, as he was affectionately known, was humanely euthanised following colic-related complications, it was confirmed Friday morning.
Living Legends CEO and Veterinary Director Dr Andrew Clarke describes the loss as “the saddest of sad days”.
“This was a battle that he just could not win. All at Living Legends are heartbroken and our condolences go out to owner Wendy Green and her family, as well as Josh’s many fans from around the world,” he said.
Living Legends described the champ as “a beautiful gentle giant standing at 17 hands high. He is easy to handle in the paddock and easy to groom and rug. He is the kindest of horses with people on our guided horse tours but if you are ignoring him, he will give you a nudge to remind you that he is there! Josh often gets excited when he visits the racetrack mounting yard on race days or walking down Swanston Street during the Melbourne Cup Parade.”
Born on September 30, 1992, and Sired by Old Spice (AUS) out of Eastern Mystique (AUS), Rogan Josh scored 13 wins and seven placings from his 38-start career, amassing over $2.5 million in earnings.
Purchased for just $13,000, Rogan Josh began his career in Western Australia with Colin Webster, winning both the Pinjarra Cup and Bunbury Cup in 1998. The genuine Melbourne Cup contender was then transferred to the stable of the great Bart Cummings.
After winning the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes, the then seven-year-old backed up three days later to take out the 1999 Melbourne Cup, handing Cummings his 11th win in the great race.
Rogan Josh contested his last race in Sha Tin, running a gallant fifth in the Group 2 Hong Kong Vase.
He was retired in 2000 after suffering a leg injury and had been residing at Living Legends since 2006.