Japanese and World Super stallion Deep Impact has died, aged 17.

The Japanese star had to be euthanised after it was found he was unable to stand due to a cervical fracture found by X-ray early on Tuesday morning.

A seven-time Group I winner, Deep Impact was a champion both on and off the track.

Deep Impact won 12 of his 14 career starts, including the highly coveted Japan Cup in 2006.

He was twice a winner of the Japanese Horse Of The Year (2005-2006) and was inducted into the Japan Racing Association Hall Of Fame in 2008.

Deep Impact was retired to stud in 2007 and quickly built a reputation as one of the world’s leading sires.

SAHorseracing.COM staff had the honour of meeting this super stallion at his barn in Hokkaido in 2007, before he was due to start covering mares. He had a cult following in Japan throughout his racing career with throngs of fans visiting him at the stallion station in the island. Japan will be in mourning at the loss of such a massive breeding icon. 

Image of him with his security in 2007 on our visit.