Thorn Park, the sire of Cox Plate winner Ocean Park, has died at Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand after a long battle with a hoof infection.

The stud said the stallion had been laid to rest on Saturday morning after succumbing to a long-running and deep-seated infection in the navicular bone of his near hind foot.

"Over the past few months every effort has been made by veterinarians and staff to overcome the infection, which also gave rise to laminitis in his off hind foot," a statement from Windsor Park said.

"While good progress had been made in the laminitic foot unfortunately the infection in his near hind foot proved insurmountable."

Thorn Park was withdrawn from stud service in September as he battled the leg infection.

On the racetrack, Thorn Park won nine of his 22 starts including the 2004 Group One Stradbroke Handicap.

As well as Ocean Park, some of his notable progeny include Jimmy Choux, Veyron and Flight Stakes winner Norzita.

AAP TURF m