Today is a very sad day. Fred (aka A Fine Romance) has left us

[Lord_Helpus]

Gail has asked me to post the news here.

The wonderful ‘A Fine Romance’ passed on yesterday at age 25.

The sport horse breeding world has lost a great stallion. His influence has spread throughout both Canada and the US; his get have excelled in grand prix jumping, hunters, hunter breeding and, above all, eventing. He consistently passed on his conformation, his athleticism and his wonderful temperament. He was one of the last, great TB sires in the sport horse world

Gail was with him when he came into this world and she was there to comfort him when he left it. Fred has been the center of her life, and I know that his passing leaves a huge hole in her life and her heart.

It is some consolation to know that he will live on through his sons and daughters but no one can ever match the original A Fine Romance.

RIP Fred.

[Didi]

I am so sorry to hear this. What a wonderful stallion. Jingles to his friends and family.

[beowulf]

No! I am so, so sorry Gail. I absolutely loved Fred - I could always tell (even from a picture) an AFR horse just from the head and eyes. They have such a look to them. There are no words that could possibly mend the hole he leaves in his passing, but I have so much gratitude and respect for you for bringing such a wonderful horse into this world. Hugs and godspeed.

[FalseImpression]

Gail, my thoughts have been with you since I read it on Fb this morning. I know how much he meant to you and Garnet! I will always regret not driving the one hour south to meet him. He will live on and will always be with you. Lots of hugs.

[Laurierace]

I thought about starting a thread but felt it wasn’t my place, I am glad we have a place to share our condolences over the loss of this tremendous ambassador of the power and glory of a great thoroughbred. Godspeed Fred, your job here was well done and your stamp on the horse world will live on.

[Peggy]

RIP Fred. A sad day indeed. He will be missed for sure.

[monstrpony]

One of the saddest days I can recall here on COTH. In a very subtle way, Fred has been a part of us for so long, such a shining light, such a wonderful story, such a testament to how “having horses” should be, can be, done. While he leaves behind a wonderful legacy in his offspring, I simply cannot imagine the magnitude of the hole he leaves in Gail’s life and heart, and in the lives of those close to him. I can only say that I am so very, very sorry.

[alexandra]

I think Fred was virtually known by me from the beginning of my time in the Forum.
I had discussions with gail about him, I thought he might be interesting to be frozen for Europe and I always read Things about him.

RIP Fred and Gail I feel sorry for your and send you a hug !

[Lord_Helpus]

Gail and Garnet buried him this morning. I can only imagine the extent of their grief. He was their son and the love of their life.

I hope that Gail, when she is ready, will post pictures of his early days and share stories of her wonderful boy.

(Laurierace, I also felt it was not my news to announce, but was happy to help Gail when she ok’d my starting this thread for her.)

[rubles]

Such a sad, sad day. Condolences to all.

[jen-s]

Lots of love and (((((hugs))))) to Gail and Garnet.

[jaj]

I am so sorry. RIP Fred.

[Where_sMyWhite]

Nooo… So sorry to hear this. He was such an amazing horse!

Gail and Garnet, my condolences on your loss.

[glitterless]

I’m so sorry for your loss, Gail. I’ve always admired Fred from afar. He was beautiful and very special to many.

[KBC]

So sorry to read this news this morning, I can only imagine the sense of loss that Gail feels, to us he was a great stud, to Gail he was so much more.

Fred’s greatness will live on with the many quality offspring that he has left.

[Laurierace]

I wasn’t even out of bed this morning when I read the news. I laid in my bed and cried. I know all too well how it feels to lose a horse of a lifetime as I lost my heart last September. Several years ago I sold my horse’s Back on Track sheet to Gail for Fred to wear. It was an honor to have something my guy wore on a horse like Fred. I like to think the two of them are staging a race at the rainbow bridge as we speak as only two gorgeous bay thoroughbreds can do.

[Zu_Zu]

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne

((hugs)) laced with strength & comfort for his family ~ I’m sorry for your loss ~

[stoicfish]

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne

This is perfect Zu Zu.
My thoughts are with you and your family Gail.

[FalseImpression]

It is a small comfort to know he is buried at home where he belonged. All morning I tried not to imagine the alternative and on a Sunday! Maybe I will be allowed to visit his grave. Godspeed beautiful Fred.
I remember the first time I heard about him from a friend who loved TBs and told me he was the best sire around! I loved him and admired him ever since and Gail’s friendship, love and care for her family 4 legged is wonderful.
I feel so so sad,

[invinoveritas]

He had a long and great life. Thanks, Fred, for taking care of him all those years. It is never easy to lose a horse, despite them living for a couple of decades.