Bullbars, the relatively unknown sire behind Group 1 champion Mr Brightside, has passed away.
Owner Mark Conroy confirmed the 15-year-old stallion died from suspected heart condition complications. He was found deceased in his paddock at the onset of last year’s breeding season.
A G3-winning son of Elusive Quality, Bullbars arrived in South Australia in 2020 after serving small groups of mares during his initial eight seasons at stud in New Zealand. His arrival was low-key, but his impact would soon be felt.
Mr Brightside, one of Bullbars’ progeny, has achieved remarkable success in recent years, including six Group 1 victories, a win in the All-Star Mile, and a narrow placing in the Cox Plate. Despite these successes, Bullbars only served 53 mares from his Adelaide Hills base between 2020 and 2022.
In addition to Mr Brightside, Bullbars sired G2 winner Contessa Vanessa and multiple stakes winner Beauden.
This loss further diminishes South Australia’s already limited stallion ranks. Unless a new stallion is introduced soon, there will be no Group 1-producing stallions standing in the state in 2024.