Snitzel was bred by Francois Naude and born at Yarraman Park from a mating between Snippets’ Lass and Redoute’s Choice, then in only his second season at stud. His dam brought proven sprinting ability to the pairing, having won seven races, including the Listed Sapphire Stakes and How Now Stakes.
The family subsequently produced several talented juveniles. Snitzel’s full sister Viennese won the Group 3 Jansz Stakes, while his half-brother Hinchinbrook won the Skyline Stakes and became a successful sire. Snitzel’s compact, muscular build also showed the influence of his maternal grandsire Snippets, whose speed and breeding legacy were already closely associated with Arrowfield.
Yarraman Park offered Snitzel at the 2004 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where Gerald Ryan purchased him for A$260,000 for Damion and Camilla Flower. Ryan’s shortlist included three future stakes-winning stallions, Snitzel, Stratum and Gonski. Snitzel entered the ring first, and securing him ended their search.
Arrowfield subsequently acquired an ownership interest during his racing career. John Messara recognised a naturally fast, well-balanced colt with a pedigree suited to stud duties, beginning the partnership that would eventually bring Snitzel home to stand alongside his sire.
Snitzel made a winning debut for Gerald Ryan in the Listed Breeders’ Plate at Warwick Farm in September 2004. He returned in December to win the Strawberry Hill Slipper at Wyong, then travelled to Queensland and added the Listed Tommy Smith Slipper at Doomben. Three consecutive victories made him a leading contender for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, where he finished third behind Bradbury’s Luck.
Back in Sydney, he defeated Stratum in the Group 3 Skyline Stakes at Canterbury, earning favouritism for the Golden Slipper. His chance unravelled before the start: Ryan later recalled that Snitzel reared in the barriers and struck his head, while jockey Glen Boss reported that he seemed dazed. He finished twelfth as Stratum won, leaving his juvenile season without the Group 1 victory his earlier performances had promised.
Snitzel joined Arrowfield’s stallion roster in 2006. His rise was gradual: first-crop filly Chance Bye won the Silver Slipper, but his first Group 1 winner, Sizzling, arrived in 2012. Continued support from Arrowfield and breeders helped him develop into a stallion whose influence extended from juvenile speed to elite middle-distance racing.
His progeny included Cox Plate winner Shamus Award, dual Everest winner Redzel, four-time Group 1 winner Trapeze Artist, and Golden Slipper winners Estijaab, Shinzo and Marhoona. He won four consecutive Australian General Sires’ Premierships from 2016–17 to 2019–20, continuing the breeding dynasty established by Danehill and Redoute’s Choice.
Arrowfield remained his home for nearly two decades. Age-related decline became apparent in 2024, and despite veterinary care his condition deteriorated rapidly in June 2025. With no treatment options remaining, he was humanely euthanised on 11 June, aged twenty-two.
His offspring continued to shape racing after his death. In 2025–26, Snitzel earned a fifth Australian General Sires’ Premiership and a sixth Australian 2YO Sires’ Premiership. His final foals were born in 2025, with their yearling sales scheduled for 2027, leaving another chapter of his breeding legacy still to unfold.
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