Fields of Omagh

Fields of Omagh (22 September 1997 – 8 June 2023), also known as FOO, was an Australian champion middle distance Thoroughbred racehorse of the early-mid-2000s. He was a half-brother to the stakeswinners, King Brian (Bunbury Cup, Pinjarra Cup), Malcolm (STC Canterbury Stakes, Ajax Stakes and Yallambee Stud Stakes) and Timeless Grace (VATC WW Cockram Stakes).

Fields of Omagh was trained at Lindsay Park, South Australia by Peter Hayes, Tony McEvoy and David Hayes. "FOO", as he was affectionately dubbed by fans and the media, won seven races in succession in the early part of his career. Nursed back from two serious injuries by Campbell Baker, head veterinary surgeon for Lindsay Park, the horse gained a reputation as a Moonee Valley specialist. He was also noted for his gallant runners-up behind Northerly in the 2002 Caulfield Cup. He won the Valley's prestigious Cox Plate for the first time in 2003, and, in a record-equalling fifth attempt, created history in becoming the race's oldest winner, as a nine-year-old, in 2006. In between these wins, he was second to Savabeel, and third behind Makybe Diva. FOO also won the 2006 Group One Futurity Stakes.[1] FOO campaigned at or near the highest level for six years in a row and raced against a number of champions including Makybe Diva, Sunline, Northerly, Lonhro and El Segundo.

During his racing career he travelled to Japan, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.[2]

Fields of Omagh was retired after his second Cox Plate win, and then resided at Living Legends, the International Home of Rest for Champion Horses located in Woodlands Historic Park, Greenvale, Victoria, Australia.

A book on the life of Fields of Omagh and his 18 owners was published in September 2007.

Fields of Omagh died on 8 June 2023, at the age of 25.[3]