Sad Passing: Houdini Boy Lost To Breeding Industry

TOP class galloper Houdini Boy has been lost to the stud world after succumbing to cancer at just five years of age.

Studmaster Nick De La Roche made the sad announcement today about the son of Zambora Brockie and the Magic Sprite bitch Pechey.

The winner of the Group 1 Sale Cup and Group 1 Zoom Top and the Speed Star (600) when trained for owner Mark Ruff by Kel Greenough, Houdini Boy retired after 28 starts for 14 wins, 10 placings and stakes of $267,000.

His stud career had virtually just started with his first runners from a handful of litters to the track just starting to win.

“This industry is real champagne and razor blades,” said Nick today.

“The ups and downs are amazing.

Houdini Boy is trying to fire up Tommy Shelby for his #MelbourneCup bid tonight … Tommy only keen to offer his best 'blue steel' pic.twitter.com/HVKRWvuCrF

— Punters+ (@Punters) November 26, 2020

“The cancer developed in a growth on his chest. The guys at the Sandown Vet Clinic worked very hard with us to get him right but in the end there was no other choice to make.”

Nick said he still had 70 straws left for the dog.

“This was his busiest year,” he said.

Houdini Boy finishes hard and gets the win in the Trio's Winter Cup at Cranbourne! pic.twitter.com/NRmfXShd0E

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 20, 2020

“Some very good breeders had used him recently, breeders like Darren Puleio.

“His first runners to the track are winning, but there are reports of some very nice youngsters about to race.

“His best attribute is that he is a total outcross for all the Fernando Bale and Barcia Bale bloodlines so frequent around the country.”

During his racing days, Houdini Boy created immense headlines for racing given his devastating finishing bursts to more often than not sweep to victory.