So You Think – the legendary Australian racehorse and two-time Cox Plate winner, has died at 19. His death comes only a few days before the spectacular Moonee Valley race that made his mark on the racing universe unquestionable. The horse battled ferociously against his sickness at Scone Equine Hospital. Sadly, it lost the fight, creating an enormous impact in both the world of fans and racing at large.
So You Think is best known for his outstanding racing career. He started that spectacular stretch by winning five straight Group 1 races, doing so under the knowledge of the late, great trainer Bart Cummings. On their final leg of the tour, he went on to find more success in Ireland, taking another five Group 1 contests with trainer Aidan O’Brien. Cummings at one point called him “Perfection on four legs, you don’t get any better than him. He’s the best, most authentic horse I’ve ever trained.”
Throughout his life, So You Think proved a far-reaching influence in the breeding world as well. He was represented by 12 individual Group 1 winners. Specifically, he was pivotal to the careers of horses such as Think About It, who took out The Everest in 2023, and multiple Group 1 winner Think It Over. His recent run atop the sires’ table is testament to his enduring legacy. He hadn’t missed the top 10 over his last five full-time seasons!
Tom Magnier, West Australian boss of Coolmore, summed up the respect in which So You Think was held right around the world. He stated, “When people visit Coolmore, more often than not the stallion most of them really want to see is So You Think.” This feeling helps to affirm the horse’s importance to the breeding industry—as well as the impression he has made on guests.
Magnier looked back on So You Think, recalling with great affection this horse’s character and sensitive, kind disposition. “He was an absolute gentleman, an incredibly kind and intelligent horse and this is a sad day for all the staff that have looked after him so well at Coolmore since he retired in 2012.”
