BY JEAN LLEWELLYN
PHOTOGRAPHY: FEI/YONG TECK LIM
Another remarkable stallion is mourned as the passing was announced of 26-year-old Cicero Z van Paemel. Bred by R. Borloo, the grey superstar carried Belgian Dirk Demeersman for seven years of his competitive career, but his genetics will live on in his many offspring
Announced by Stoeterij van Paemel on social media, they shared the news of his passing: “Yesterday our hearts shattered when we had to make the heartbreaking decision to let you go. The day we feared most and tried to postpone as much as possible arrived. We did everything in our power to help you, but this time nothing could. You trulu left an impression everywhere you went, both in and outside the ring. Your wonderful personality, amazing character, and gentle nature touched everyone who knew you. Your strength, endless scope, flexibility, and textbook technique left breeders in awe. An extraordinary stallion. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of horse. We were so lucky and blessed to call you ours, and the void you now leave behind is immense.
“From your Grand Prix victory in Aalst to your Sires of The World victory in Mechelen and the six bars competition in Dublin. From your Nations Cup round in Rome to the World Cup in Mechelen. And everything in between. You have changed our lives for the better and we will cherish all those unforgettable moments.
“We are forever grateful to your rider, Dirk Demeersman, who also loved you and cared deeply for you. You trusted him and Dirk always believed in you, gave you the opportunities and showed the world how amazing you were. A true partnership.
“We are also immensely grateful for team Zangersheide, for taking care of you and making you one of the most popular breeding stallions in the world for several years after your sports career was cut short.
“And of course we are ever grateful for all the breeders who put their fate in you and bred one or several of your numerous successful offspring. Offspring in which we see all your qualities and hope to enjoy for many more years.
“Thank you to everyone who was part of your beautiful story and thank you to all those people we have met and the friendships we have made through you...
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