SUNLINE: NEW ZEALAND's CHAMPION
1st May 2009
We are devastated by the news of Sunline's death and feel both profound grief, and profound gratitude for everything she gave us and the entire racing world.
There have been and will be other great Australasian champions, but there will never, ever be another Sunline. Her magnificent physique, ferocious competitive spirit and indomitable courage were all that any breeder could hope to produce, and all that anyone who loves the thoroughbred horse could wish to see.
In a career that spanned 48 starts in four countries across six seasons she was the best possible representative of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, and the finest inspiration for a sport powered by impossible dreams. Her record of 32 wins, 13 at Group One level, remains the permanent measure of her greatness.
Sunline is her own benchmark, and stands easily in the company of the greatest legends of the Australian and New Zealand turf. She leaves this world with a memory of equine magnificence that will not be erased.
May the blessings of a horse-loving heaven be heaped upon her.
Susan and Michael
We are devastated by the news of Sunline's death and feel both profound grief, and profound gratitude for everything she gave us and the entire racing world.
There have been and will be other great Australasian champions, but there will never, ever be another Sunline. Her magnificent physique, ferocious competitive spirit and indomitable courage were all that any breeder could hope to produce, and all that anyone who loves the thoroughbred horse could wish to see.
In a career that spanned 48 starts in four countries across six seasons she was the best possible representative of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry, and the finest inspiration for a sport powered by impossible dreams. Her record of 32 wins, 13 at Group One level, remains the permanent measure of her greatness.
Sunline is her own benchmark, and stands easily in the company of the greatest legends of the Australian and New Zealand turf. She leaves this world with a memory of equine magnificence that will not be erased.
May the blessings of a horse-loving heaven be heaped upon her.
Susan and Michael
Michael Martin and Susan Archer pictured with the champion mare they bred SUNLINE.
