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Seven-time Group 1 winner and dam of Australia dies at the age of 21

Multiple Group 1 winner and dam of Group 1 winner and sire Australia (Galileo), Ouija Board (Cape Cross), has died at the age of 21. 

Ouija Board was bred and raced by Lord and Lady Derby who released a statement announcing the death of their mare. 

"In our wildest dreams, we never imagined we could breed a horse that would be a global record-breaker and inspire so many with so many happy memories," the couple said in a statement released last night," the statement read. 

"She was simply the best and always had the most wonderful temperament; she loved a hug and a polo mint every time we walked around the stud. We were so lucky to have her in our lives as she brought us so much joy. The fun and the pleasure that she gave us in a four-year journey around the globe will give us happy memories forever."

Trained in Newmarket by Ed Dunlop, Ouija Board raced 22 times for 10 wins including the 2004 Group 1 Oaks (1m4f) at Epsom before capturing the Irish Oaks (1m4f). 

Her other top level victories came in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (11f), Hong Kong Vase (2400m), the Prince of Wales's Stakes (1m2f) and Nassau Stakes (1m2f) in 2006 before winning the Filly & Mare Turf again in 2006. 

Her final start came when finishing third to Deep Impact (Sunday Silence) in the Grade 1 Japan Cup (2400m) in November 2006. 

At stud she produced Australia who sold to Demi O'Bryne for 525,000gns at the 2012 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 and went on to win the 2014 Group 1 Derby (1m4f) and Irish Derby (1m4f). He now stands at Coolmore Stud where his 2023 fee is advertised at €25,000. 

Her other stakes winners are Our Voodoo Prince (Kingmambo) and Frontiersman (Dubawi).