St Jean was father of Half Yours, the horse that claimed victory in the 2025 Melbourne Cup. Then thirty days following his offspring’s major triumph St Jean passed away in an unusual mishap in his paddock. Overnight the stallion collided with a fence post snapping it at the base. The heavy blow broke his leg, close to the elbow. A vet came to see St Jean and did the X-rays. The vet said that the horse couldn’t be saved in any way. On November 25, St Jean was put to sleep.
‘Half Yours’ Recent Success
At the start of this month Half Yours claimed victory in Australias renowned horse race, the Melbourne Cup. He was ridden by Jamie Melhamand trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy. This competition is a Group One race covering 3,200 meters. Half Yours was the Cup champion bred in Victoria since Gala Supreme in 1973. The month Half Yours emerged as the favorite for the Melbourne Cup after triumphing in the Caulfield Cup, which is another Group One race but, over 2,400 meters. Within a span of three weeks between these two victories Half Yours accumulated $8.7 million, in earnings from prize money.
What Became of St Jean
Grant and Joanne Dwyer from Brackley Park in Avenel, Victoria were the owners of St Jean. The horse had been stationed at their property serving as a breeding stallion. On Thursday Grant Dwyer issued a statement verifying the passing of St Jean. He described the loss deeply sorrowful especially since it occurred just three weeks after Half Yours secured victory in the Melbourne Cup.
On Monday November 24 St Jean covered a mare called Memory Lane. Following the breeding he was taken back to his paddock to be fed. St Jean had occupied that paddock, calm and secure since autumn 2017. On the morning of November 25 staff discovered that St Jean had collided with a fence post during the night. The reason for this is unknown. The collision caused the fence post to break at ground level and severely fractured the stallion’s side front leg, near the elbow area.
Dr Duncan Pearce cared for the stallion. Conducted X-rays on the wounded leg. The veterinarian advised that no treatment was possible for the horse. The damage was too extensive to address. Consequently St Jean was humanely put down to alleviate his pain.
Rising Demand Cut Short
Prior to Half Yours success St Jean was not highly looked for. However when Half Yours won both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup the situation shifted rapidly. Breeders started seeking St Jeans breeding services. It is said that his stud fee increased. Dwyer mentioned that his passing came at an unfortunate time. Breeders had just begun to appreciate the exceptional bloodline this stallion possessed.
Reservations had started to increase over the few weeks. St Jean was set to cover a mare by Desert King on the afternoon he passed away, a mating that would have replicated the same cross as Half Yours. Overall he was expected to cover five mares by Desert King this season. St Jean had appointments for 35 mares altogether for the breeding period.
The victories of Half Yours established St Jeans reputation in the breeding industry. Breeders seek stallions whose progeny triumph, in races. A Melbourne Cup champion holds worth as it demonstrates the horse’s capacity to excel over long distances. St Jean showed he could transmit that trait to his descendants. However his life concluded before he could wholly benefit from his sons renown.
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