Tribute to For Bill Michael Winters has paid heartfelt tribute to former stable star For Bill after the prolific mare died giving birth to her first foal. The 10-year-old suffered a fatal attack of colic after producing a colt foal by Beneficial. "We were very upset when we heard, but she has a beautiful colt foal. He's a model foal and they are delighted with him," said the County Cork handler. "I think she had complications after foaling. She got us up and rolling. With us being a small yard it was great to get a good horse. "We were so proud of her. She beat Blazing Tempo and Morning Supreme in Thurles and it's a day that sticks out in my mind. It was marvellous. Paul Carberry got the tactics just right on her. "She was at her best that day. She loved soft and heavy ground and the weather was really bad that day. It's a pity we don't have a mares' Gold Cup for horses like her." For Bill, winner of nine of her 17 starts plus two point-to-points, had the distinction of gaining black type in all jump codes. She won a Listed bumper and enjoyed Grade Three successes over hurdles and fences, earning £145,000 in prize money.
