But Arrowfield Stud managing director, John Messara has decided to honour his champion stallion, Redoute’s Choice while he is still alive.

“Let’s not wait until they die, let him enjoy it,” Mr Messara said.

The lifelike statue of the famous sire was unveiled following the stallion parade on Sunday. And well known racing journalist Max Presnell unveiled the statue in front of a racing media congregation on Monday.

Redoute’s Choice is one of the most famous stallions in history and at 11 years of age he is following in the footsteps of his breed shaping sire Danehill.

Standing on the main drive near the office, the statue took years for sculptor Tanya Barlett to complete, but Mr Messara said he is very happy with the results and Redoute’s Choice keeper, Adam Sharkley said the statue has really captured the horse.

Standing at Arrowfield Stud, Redoute’s Choice is one of the world’s most coveted sires.

He was an exceptional race horse being a four time group one (G1) winner, was undefeated at two and was a champion three year old miler in 1999/2000.

He has been named champion sire a number of times since going to stud, has sired a number of winners, including G1 winners.

His breeding fee for 2008 is $330,000.