Whilst there was an end of an era at LA this week with the passing of Sound Lover (Sound Reason-Country Flower by Oncidium), she will live on in the hearts of all at the farm and her deeds since retiring to the broodmare paddock in 1995 will ensure the continuation of a successful legacy.
Horses can leave an indelible mark on humans and Sound Lover was the type who touched most anyone who came into contact with her over a life of 24 years that started with her foaling at Te Parae/LA, proceeded to a Group 3 win on the track from the O’Sullivan stable and then onto motherhood where she excelled as a wonderful mother to 13 live foals.
“ Lover ” had bucket loads of courage and personality, and she had the rather unique ability to pass on these traits to her progeny, undoubtedly important to the many of whom went onto compete in the best of company in N.Z, Australia and Hong Kong.
Sound Lover’s progeny include the stakes winners Philosophe, Men At Work and Sir Lovesalot, and the big Hong Kong winners Trillion Win (Group 2 placed), Cheeky and Successful Spirit.
High hopes are held for her last live foal, a stunning looking two-year-old Per Incanto colt. Unbeaten in two Cambridge trials, the un-named colt has recently been exported to Singapore where he’ll race from Michael Freedman’s stable.
LA has retained Sound Lover’s three daughters, Rites of Spring, Savamour and Bellabaci. Savamour’s first foal is the promising Perth three-year-old Maximus Mak and we sold Bellabaci’s first live foal, a Pins filly, at the Sydney Easter Sale last week
Te Parae and LA have been blessed by the mares Sunbride and Sanderae. Sound Lover is on the way to achieving similar standing as an ancestress of quality.
Rest in peace girl. Thanks.
