Reliable Man dies aged 18

Westbury Stud has announced the death of high-class racehorse and outstanding stallion Reliable Man (Dalakhani), who was euthanised on veterinary advice aged 18 due to post-surgical complications following the removal of a melanoma. 

The sire of 29 stakes winners, including four Group 1 winners, Reliable Man made an immediate impact on the track, winning his first three starts, headed by a dominant victory in the Prix du Jockey Club (Gr 1, 2100m). 

By Dalakhani (Darshaan) out of the Sadler’s Wells (Northern Dancer) mare On Fair Stage, he was bred and initially raced by Sven and Carina Hanson before additional partners joined the ownership. 

Later transferred to Chris Waller’s stable, he won the 2013 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) at Randwick at his final Australian start, defeating the now Arrowfield sire Dundeel (High Chaparral). 

He retired with five wins and three placings from 14 career starts, with notable fourths in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 2f) and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 1m 4f) against elite international opposition. 

At stud, the grey excelled in both hemispheres, with his Group 1 winners including VRC Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m) heroine Miami Bound, New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Sentimental Miss, German Oaks (Gr 1, 2200m) winner Erle and Railway Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) victor Inspirational Girl. He also enjoyed early success as a broodmare sire, with his daughters producing 41 winners to date.