Beech Tree Stud's Royal Anthem Dies at 23

Beech Tree Stud was dealt a double blow just before Christmas when it said farewell to two of its four-strong roster.

Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) hero Royal Anthem, who was 23 years old, succumbed to the effects of lymphangitis in his back leg.

Royal Anthem excelled over middle distances and secured wins at the highest level at 3, 4, and 5, running out an impressive eight-length winner of the 1999 Juddmonte International (G1). 

Royal Anthem twice competed in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T), finishing second to Daylami in the 1999 edition at Gulfstream Park. Royal Anthem secured the first top-level win of his career in the 1998 Canadian International Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine. He closed his racing career with a win in the 2000 Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Handicap (G1T).

The son of Theatrical retired to Hopewell Farm in Kentucky before switching to Tullogher House Stud in County Kilkenny for the 2007 breeding season. He remained there until 2015 and moved to Beech Tree the following year. 

Bred in Kentucky by John Franks and raced by the Thoroughbred Corporation, Royal Anthem also finished second to Fruits of Love in the 1999 Hardwicke Stakes (G2), with that rival following up in the same race a year later. 

Among Royal Anthem's best runners is Presious Passion, a dual winner of the United Nations Stakes (G1T) who also struck in the Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship Stakes (G1T).

Meanwhile, Apple Tree, who was one of the oldest active stallions in Britain having serviced mares at the age of 29 last year, suffered from a suspected fracture of the pedal bone.

He was bred by Paul de Moussac and was foaled in 1989—the same year Nashwan prevailed in the Ever Ready Epsom Derby (G1) and Desert Orchid won the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Like Royal Anthem, the son of Bikala was an exceptional middle-distance performer, landing elite races at 3, 4, and 5, including wins in the Ever Ready Coronation Cup (G1) and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) in 1994.

"Apple Tree earned over a million in prize money, which was a big deal in his day," said Judy Munnis, who owns and manages Beech Tree together with her husband, Allan. "Apple Tree and Royal Anthem both won multiple top-flight races and had amazing race records."

Apple Tree initially stood at Le Haras du Mezeray in France before relocating to Beech Tree, where he stood for 10 seasons, 2009-18.

Among his best runners was the Long Walk Hurdle winner Lough Derg. 

Beech Tree Stud will stand Geordieland and Saddler's Rock for the 2019 breeding season, available at fees of £2,000 and £1,500 respectively.