Ebony Flyer: South African Champion Passes Away at 18 Following Difficult Delivery

• Champion South African racemare Ebony Flyer is said to have passed away at the age of 18 in England
• The racemare was foaled in the Western Cape before it was purchased by TVI CEO and founder, Barry Irwin
• The news about Ebony Flyer's death left social media users devastated as they paid tribute to the SA champion

It was a devastating week for the Sports community as the passing of triple Grade 1 winner, Ebony Flyer, who excelled over distances ranging from six to eight furlongs in South Africa, was announced Saturday, 21 February 2026.

Ebony Flyer was said to have passed on due to post-foaling complications. The accomplished mare delivered a filly by Bradsell on Wednesday, February 4 2026, but was humanely euthanised the following Saturday at Rossdales Equine Hospital in Newmarket, England.

In related news, former South African rugby player Russell Nelson passed on in South Africa, and a young player died during training.

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Ebony Flyer's racing career and achievements

According to Yahoo Sports, Ebony Flyer was bred in the Western Cape and bred by W. J. Engelbrecht Jr., and was privately acquired alongside her dam by TVI’s CEO Barry Irwin.

The purchase came after her three-year-old half-sister, Captain's Lover, emerged as a serious contender for the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas.

The investment proved inspired: Captain’s Lover claimed the Guineas title in 2007, and three years later, Ebony Flyer captured the same Classic. Their dam, Sunshine Lover, thus achieved the rare milestone of producing two winners of the prestigious race.

Ebony Flyer concluded her racing career with eight victories from 13 starts. Following her Guineas success, she battled respiratory complications that necessitated three surgical procedures. Nevertheless, she returned to top-level competition in 2012, adding both the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes and the Grade 1 South African Fillies Sprint to her résumé.

Reflecting on her talent, Irwin remarked that among the elite fillies campaigned by the syndicate worldwide—including in England and Ireland—only Ipi Tombe ranked alongside her in ability. He noted that had her breathing issues not intervened, her ceiling as a racehorse might have been considerably higher.

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At stud, Ebony Flyer proved equally productive, producing seven winners from nine runners. Among them were two black-type performers in South Africa: Grade 3-placed Cot Campbell and Listed-placed Black Silver.

There's a prospect for the newborn, and a nurse mare has since been secured for her Bradsell filly, who is reportedly thriving.

Fans mourn Ebony Flyer's passing

After Team Valor International released a statement on their Facebook page to confirm the passing of Ebony Flyer, social media users joined them in mourning the death of the special horse and a top champion.

Robyn Louw shared:

"Aaaah, I am so sorry to hear this. I'll never forget her. She was such a special horse."

Alistair Gordon said:

"So sorry for your loss. What a fantastic race filly, and her pedigree lives on in South Africa."

Kira Pickford mentioned:

"So truly sorry for your loss 💔 She was larger than life and the most incredible racehorse! May she rest peacefully."

Ellen Maeder commented:

"Sad news, sorry for your loss. She was a champion everywhere; may she rest in peace, and her pedigrees shine bright."

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Greg Sterck added:

"Great racehorse. Best filly I’ve ever owned. Huge. Big heart. Crazy fast. Won 3 Grade 1’s. Loved her."

Rugby star announces son's death

Briefly News earlier reported that a popular rugby star shared devastating news about the passing of his lovely son on Tuesday, 17, 2026.

The rugby community worldwide show support to the player after the unfortunate announcement.

Source: Briefly News