Top sire Zaffaran breaks leg Zaffaran, the sire of 2000 Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Looks Like Trouble has died.The 16-year-old was put down early today after breaking his leg in a routine covering session at Scarvagh House Stud.The Northern Ireland stud was also hit earlier this year when 1996 Derby winner Shaamit was put down in April.Alfred Buller, the stud`s owner was devastated by the death of Zaffaran, who had also sired Whitbread Gold Cup winner Beau, Frantic Tan, successful in the De Vere Gold Cup, and Rehearsal Chase victor Moral Support.He said: 'It`s a disaster. I`ve had him 10 years and he was a very, very good friend. He was a character, 17 hands - a lot of power.'We built the stud around him and his success. He gave me a purpose and this place a purpose.'He`s going to be a big, big loss and a very difficult act to follow.'Zaffaran was a useful stayer on the Flat for Sheikh Mohammed and Sir Michael Stoute. He won four races and finished fourth behind Minster Son in the1988 St Leger.He finished 11th in the list of National Hunt sires for the 2000-01 season with a tally of almost Stg£350,000 in win and place money.
