Last Monday brought sad news from the other side of the world, with the announcement that legendary racehorse and stallion So You Think has passed away. The son of High Chaparral died following a short illness in Australia.
Between 2009 and 2012, So You Think amassed a phenomenal race record, accomplishing the unique feat of winning five Group 1 contests in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Retired at the end of his five-year-old season, he became an elite stallion at Coolmore Australia.
Awesome in Australia
Running in the colours of Dato Tan Chin Nam, So You Think began his racing life at the yard of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Bart Cummings. Kicking off with a low-key win at Rosehill, he then came up just short in a Listed contest at Randwick. His third outing yielded a breakout success in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes. After failing to lay a glove on Starspangledbanner in the Caulfield Guineas, he relished the step up to 1m2f when blowing the field away in the Cox Plate for his first Group 1 success.
Returning to the track in 2010, So You Think continued his upward trajectory in fine style. Opening up with a narrow victory in the Group 2 Memsie Stakes, he then rattled off a Group 1 four-timer in the Underwood Stakes, Yalumba Stakes, Cox Plate, and Mackinnon Stakes. A third-place effort in the Melbourne Cup did nothing to dent his reputation as Australia’s leading middle-distance star in training.
So You Think’s dominance had piqued the interest of owner/breeder powerhouse Coolmore, who purchased the colt in a private sale in 2010. Rather than continuing to mop up the top Australian events, Coolmore set their new acquisition the task of conquering Europe.
Brilliant at Ballydoyle
With his Australian racing career at an end, So You Think moved to the yard of Aidan O’Brien, who trained his father to win the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, Irish Champion Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Turf (twice).
So You Think could have been forgiven if he had needed a little time to acclimate following his round-the-world trip. However, he appeared very much at home when hacking up by 10 lengths in the Group 3 Mooresbridge Stakes on his first start for O’Brien.
With his well-being confirmed, the new star on the scene started at odds of just 1/7 for the Group 1 Tattersalls Gold Cup. That’s a short price for such a prestigious event but it looked justified as So You Think sauntered to a fine win by over four lengths over the Godolphin star Campanologist.
2011 Tattersalls Gold Cup – So You Think pic.twitter.com/1Y3gW1KzCA
— History of Horse Racing (@horsevault) November 4, 2024
Sent to Royal Ascot for his next start, So You Think suffered his first northern hemisphere defeat when worn down by Rewilding in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. He rebounded immediately, landing back-to-back Group 1 wins in the Coral-Eclipse and Irish Champion Stakes, mastering Derby hero Workforce in the former and Oaks queen Snow Fairy in the latter.
Returning to the track as a five-year-old, he began 2012 with a solid fourth in the Dubai World Cup. After emphatically defending his Tattersalls Gold Cup crown, he headed to Ascot for his final appearance in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes. Sent off as the 4/5 favourite, he comfortably saw off Carlton House, Farhh, and Reliable Man to hand Joseph O’Brien a first Royal Ascot victory as a jockey.
So You Think ended his racing career having won 14 of 23 starts, including ten Group 1s, and amassing over £5 million in prize money for connections.
Second Career at Stud
Having proven his class on both sides of the world, So You Think returned to Australia to embark on his second career. Taking up residence at Coolmore Australia, the much-loved star proved to be a hit as a stallion.
His most successful son was the speedball Think About It, winner of eight of 16 starts between 2022 and 2024. The Joseph Pride star struck twice in Group 1 company and earned over £6 million in prize money. Other notable progeny include three-time Group 1 winner Think It Over and Sydney Cup champ Knights Order.
O’Brien Pays Tribute
Following the sad announcement, those close to the horse were quick to pay tribute. Aidan O’Brien recalled the good times, stating:
“He was a great racehorse and a great stallion. It is always sad news to hear. He was a special horse, and he gave us special memories, particularly when Joseph won the Prince of Wales’s Stakes on him at Ascot.”
Coolmore Australia principal, Tom Magnier, added his voice to the accolades when remembering the horse’s character.
“He was an absolute gentleman, an incredibly kind and intelligent horse, and this is a sad day for all the staff that have looked after him so well at Coolmore since he retired in 2012.”
