Landseer (February 28 1999 – October 26 2002) was a British‑bred Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred by Rockwell Bloodstock, he was a bay stallion sired by the Champion sire Danehill, out of the mare Sabria, whose sire was Miswaki. He was owned by Michael Tabor and Sue Magnier and trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien.
Racing career
Landseer began racing as a two‑year‑old in 2001. In June of that year he won the Group III Coventry Stakes at Newmarket under jockey Jamie Spencer. Later in the season he placed second to his stablemate Rock of Gibraltar in the Dewhurst Stakes and again finished second in the Critérium International at Saint‑Cloud.
At three years old, Landseer finished third in the Prix de Fontainebleau before capturing his first Group One victory in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) in May 2002. He then placed second to Rock of Gibraltar in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Ascot. In October 2002 he made his United States debut, winning the Grade I Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes at Keeneland under jockey Edgar Prado.
Breeders’ Cup Mile and death
Following his American win, Landseer was entered as a supplemental nominee in the 2002 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Arlington Park. During the race he suffered a catastrophic injury and was euthanized on the track. His death occurred while competing against his frequent rival, Rock of Gibraltar, who finished second.
Record and earnings
Landseer raced 13 times, achieving 4 wins, 4 second‑place finishes, and 1 third‑place finish, and earned US $1,154,458 in prize money.
Legacy
Landseer is remembered for his high‑class performances at both European and North American venues, as well as for his tragic loss during a major international championship race.