Michael Bell and Harry Herbert hailed the career of Motivator following the death of the 2005 Epsom Derby (G1) winner and sire of dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) heroine Treve .

Haras du Hoguenet announced Motivator’s death July 4. The son of Montjeu, who had just completed his 20th season at stud, is believed to have died from a suspected heart attack July 3.

Sent off the 3-1 favorite in a field of 13 at Epsom Downs Racecourse, he swept to the front under Johnny Murtagh as the pair stormed to a 5-length victory over Walk In The Park, with Dubawi  back in third place, sparking extraordinary scenes as dozens of members of the Royal Ascot Racing Club squeezed into the tiny winner’s circle.

Motivator missed the entire 2010 covering season before transferring to the Head family’s Haras du Quesnay in France. He moved again to Haras du Hoguenet ahead of the 2023 breeding season.

He is the sire of 417 winners, including 35 stakes scorers, while as well as Treve, his other group 1 winner is 2012 Prix de l’Opera (G1) scorer Ridasiyna . William Haggas’s popular multiple group 3 scorer Hamish  also features among his black-type winners.