A "FREAK accident" at a West Somerset stud has led to the death of one of the country's top breeding stallions.

It's Without a Doubt, home-bred by Brendon Hill Stallions, had to be put down last Sunday following the accident at the stud.

The successful business, set up by Diana Scott 40 years ago, is now run by her and her son Michael.

"We are absolutely gutted - it's a terrible loss," Michael told the Free Press yesterday (Thursday).

"It's a big gap to fill because we adored him and he was a real character."

The loss of the 24-year-old chestnut stallion will also be keenly felt in the world of British competition breeding.

It's Without a Doubt was the grandson of the famous Ben Faerie and had sired at least two Grand Prix dressage horses and an Olympic event horse, as well as a number of top eventers.

A cross between the Ben Faerie and Welton bloodlines, he had also sired the top-priced horse at the 'High Performance Sale' and four finalists in the Burghley Young Event Horse finals.

Tributes have been pouring in from across the country to the stallion, whose progeny are now worldwide.

"We've had flowers and so many messages from people who had met him over the years and used his stud services," said Michael

"He was incredibly fit and certainly had a good few more years in him. It's a tragedy."

His valuable bloodlines remain in three of the stud's other stallions and It's Without a Doubt - who never left the Brendon Hills - is now buried overlooking the fields where the mares and foals graze.