WINNER of the Japanese Triple Crown in 2004, Deep Impact has since become one of the most influential stallions in the world. News of his death at the age of just 17 this week came as a shock to the bloodstock world.

Residing at Shadai Stallion Station, he had successful surgery on his spine on Sunday but was unable to stand on Monday morning. The following day X-rays showed he had a cervical spine fracture and he was euthanized.