Westbury Stud announced Feb. 19 the death of high-class racehorse and outstanding stallion Reliable Man, who was euthanized on veterinary advice aged 18 due to postsurgical 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 2011 Prix du Jockey Club (G1).
By Dalakhani out of the Sadler's Wells 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 (G1) at Randwick Racecourse at his final Australian start, defeating the now Arrowfield sire Dundeel.
He retired with five wins and three placings from 14 career starts, with notable fourths in the 2012 Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) and King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) against elite international opposition.
At stud, the gray excelled in both hemispheres, with his group 1 winners including 2019 VRC Oaks (G1) heroine Miami Bound, 2019 New Zealand Oaks (G1) winner Sentimental Miss, 2024 Preis der Diana (German Oaks, G1) winner Erle, and 2020 Railway Stakes (G1) victor Inspirational Girl. He also enjoyed early success as a broodmare sire, with his daughters producing 41 winners to date.
