Racing community mourns loss of Spirit Of Boom
By Jordan Gerrans
Revered Queensland horse Spirit Of Boom is being remembered as a champion on and off the track following his sudden passing on Wednesday morning.
The stallion was 18 years of age.
During his racing tenure, Spirit Of Boom was a dual Group 1 victor who helped launch the training career of premier Brisbane conditioner Tony Gollan.
In retirement, Spirit Of Boom was arguably just as impactful as a stallion in the way he shaped the breeding landscape in the Sunshine State as he produced an array of feature-level winners.
At stud, Spirit Of Boom produced another Group 1 star for Gollan with Jonker while Prince Of Boom, Outback Barbie, Boomsara, Ef Troop and Golden Boom, among others, have also been high-level performers.
He was crowned the leading Queensland sire on four occasions.
Following his retirement, the stallion stood at Eureka Stud and was about to enter his 13th season before he died suddenly from a suspected ruptured bowel.
Following his passing, there has been an outpouring of tributes to the champion horse who was at the top of his game on and off the track.
Racing Queensland’s Executive General Manager of Racing David Brick described Spirit Of Boom as a ‘legend’ of the industry.
“He produced for racing in Queensland for almost two decades,” Brick said.
“Firstly, on the track as a tough and consistent Group 1 performer throughout Australia before converting that into being star sire at stud.
“He’ll be missed. Our thoughts are with his connections, including the team at Eureka Stud.
“I want to thank Spirit Of Boom for his contribution to the Queensland racing industry, which will continue to live on through his progeny.”
Eureka Stud boss Scott McAlpine was devastated to lose his beloved stallion.
“Beyond the statistics, Spirit Of Boom was a horse with enormous presence and personality, adored by everyone who worked with him daily,” McAlpine said in a statement.
“His longevity, soundness and will to compete created countless memories for his connections and for trainer Tony Gollan, who guided him throughout his outstanding career.
“He gave owners, breeders, trainers and racing fans unforgettable moments and helped elevate Queensland breeding onto the national stage.
“While his loss leaves a tremendous void, his legacy will live on through his sons and daughters, both on the racetrack and at stud.
“Fittingly, his Group 1-winning son Jonker will return to Eureka this coming season, ensuring the Spirit Of Boom story continues for generations to come.”
On the track, Spirit Of Boom delivered as a youngster before going on to win at the highest level.
He claimed three victories in his first season as a two-year-old, headlined by the Listed Ken Russell Memorial in May of 2010.
Gollan then guided him to two Group 1 triumphs – the William Reid Stakes in Melbourne before landing the prestigious Doomben 10,000 on home soil.
“All of us at Gollan Racing are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our stable legend Spirit Of Boom,” Gollan said in a statement.
“He was a truly remarkable racehorse for our stable with a celebrated career.
"Spirit Of Boom provided so much excitement over a long career in a golden era for sprinting in Australia.
“Spirit Of Boom, alongside brother Temple Of Boom, was instrumental in my training career and words cannot describe the impact he has had on my life.
“His legacy will continue for us through the many progeny we race and memories he created.”
Spirit Of Boom finished his career in 2014 after finishing fourth in the Stradbroke Handicap as the winner of nine races, with 20 minor placings from 52 starts and $2.43 million in prizemoney.
Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom – both sons of Temple Spirit - were known as the famous “Boom Brothers” in their racing days.
Temple Of Boom, who is the older of the brothers, delivered Gollan with his maiden Group 1 scalp in the Galaxy in Sydney.
At stud, Spirit Of Boom sired more than 31 stakes winners, headlined by Jonker’s Group 1 triumph, while more than 70% of his runners' won races.
Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch also paid tribute to the great Queensland stallion.
“From that first crop, it was evident that he was a very promising sire and when we got to the March sale the next year, he was responsible for 45 per cent of the gross,” Bowditch told The Straight.
“He had buyers that had never been to the March sale turn up here and engage and buy his progeny and the rest is history.
“He was obviously a great horse for us to market year in, year out and we look forward to continuing on for a few more crops yet.”
