Multiple Group One winner and top-class sire Singspiel has been put down at the age of 18.Sheikh Mohammed's homebred developed laminitis following a long illness and the difficult decision was to taken to euthanise him on Friday.The son of In The Wings won nine of his 20 career starts for Sir Michael Stoute including a glorious victory in the 1997 Dubai World Cup.He went on to prove just as successful in the breeding shed with his son Moon Ballad also enjoying Dubai World Cup success in 2003.Oth

Multiple Group One winner and top-class sire Singspiel has been put down at the age of 18.

Sheikh Mohammed's homebred developed laminitis following a long illness and the difficult decision was to taken to euthanise him on Friday.

The son of In The Wings won nine of his 20 career starts for Sir Michael Stoute including a glorious victory in the 1997 Dubai World Cup.

He went on to prove just as successful in the breeding shed with his son Moon Ballad also enjoying Dubai World Cup success in 2003.

Other successful progeny include Eastern Anthem and John Gosden's exceptional mare Dar Re Mi.

In a statement on Darley's website, Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor John Ferguson said: "Singspiel has been a huge part of Sheikh Mohammed and Darley's breeding and racing operation for many years.

"He was bred by Sheikh Mohammed, and, as a racehorse, he covered every continent.

"The highlight was his win in the Dubai World Cup. He then went on to great things at stud where he sired Moon Ballad from his first crop to also win the Dubai World Cup.

"He was an outstandingly tough racehorse who was able to pass it on to many of his progeny who performed around the world.

"He has been admired and supported industry-wide in Australia, Europe, Japan and the USA where he has produced racehorses of the highest calibre.

"Sheikh Mohammed would like to thank all of those at Dalham Hall and the veterinarians in Newmarket for doing everything they could for him. He will be sadly missed."

Singspiel shuttled to Australia once during his career - leaving the Group One winner Rewaaya from his 2001 crop.

He was represented by a Kembla Grange winner on Saturday when the Clarry Conners-trained Sinospiel won at the NSW south-coast track.