Cox Plate champion Maldivian has died, aged 18

Maldivian, the 2008 Cox Plate champion, has died, aged 18.

The Mark Kavanagh-trained son of Zabeel amassed $2.8m prizemoney, winning nine of 30 career starts including the 2007 Group 1 Yalumba Stakes and 2009 CF Orr Stakes, both at Caulfield.

Maldivian was placed on a further 10 occasions, including five at stakes level.

The popular galloper, who was residing at Kavanagh’s farm as Gisborne as a beloved paddock companion for racehorses, passed away last Friday.

Kavanagh confirmed the news on Wednesday.

Maldivian was sent out favourite for the 2007 Caulfield Cup only to be sensationally withdrawn moments before the start after rearing and striking a camera mount in the barrier.

Maldivian returned to the mounting yard with blood streaming from the puncture wound.

The tough on-pacer made amends the next year, leading all the way at The Valley under jockey Michael Rodd to win the Cox Plate.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh with Maldivian (left) and Whobegotyou at his Flemington stables.Source:News Limited

Maldivian was retired in the 2009 spring after a tendon injury sustained in trackwork.

The seven-year-old gelding’s final race start was another trademark gutsy performance when collared in the closing stages of the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes to finish fourth behind Melbourne Cup winner Efficient.

Kavanagh’s glorious association with the popular galloper will continue hopefully through a Merchant Navy colt out of Condolences, a half-sister to Maldivian.

The yearling, a $110,000 Inglis purchase, is currently in work at Kavanagh’s Flemington stable.

Originally published asCox Plate champ Maldivian dies

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