Flat and National Hunt sire Planteur (Danehill Dancer) passed away Friday at Chapel Stud from natural causes, the farm announced.“Sadly, Planteur passed away today from natural causes shortly after being turned out into his paddock,” said Roisin Close, stud manager at Chapel Stud. “We feel incredibly fortunate to have been entrusted with Planteur on behalf of Simon Davies at DahlBury.”“He played such an important role at Chapel Stud, consistently well supported by breeders who recognised his quality, and it is particularly sad to lose him just as we were beginning to see the results of those early books on the racecourse. We believe the true impact of his loss will become even more apparent over the coming years as his progeny continue to fulfil their potential.”Close continued, “Beyond his achievements as a stallion, Planteur was a much-loved member of the team. He was a true gentleman to handle, with a kind temperament that made him a favourite of everyone who worked with him. He will be greatly missed by us all, but we are immensely proud of the legacy he leaves behind.”Some of Planteur's best progeny to date include champion stayer, three-time Group 1 winner Trueshan as well as dual Grade 1-winning chaser Gran Diose. As a racehorse, he won or was placed in 12 Group and Stakes races with prize-money earnings in excess of £2.2-million.“We are so sorry to have lost Planteur and especially feel for Roisin and the entire team at Chapel Stud, who cared for him so well,” said DahlBury's Simon Davies. “His British-bred progeny were just beginning to make their mark, and while it is heartbreaking to lose him, there is comfort in knowing that many more of his offspring including some of our own will be reaching the racecourse over the coming years and continuing his legacy.”The post ‘He was a True Gentleman to Handle’ – Dual Purpose Sire Planteur Passes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.