Young stallion Time For War has died suddenly from a suspected colic attack at Kitchwin Hills Stud.

The five-year-old, a son of Snitzel who had served two seasons, was pronounced dead in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Time For War was trained by Gerald Ryan to win two Group Two juvenile races, the Pago Pago Stakes and the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes.

Stud manager Mick Malone said his loss was a shock and a blow for everyone on the farm.

"Time For War was a gentleman, and a pleasure to work with," Malone said.

"After being underbidder on him as a yearling and following him throughout his career, then purchasing him at the end of his racing life from Scott Darby and his team of loyal supporters, it's just hard to believe this has happened.

"He was shaping as everything we had hoped for. Time For War was the closest resemblance to his father Snitzel as I have ever seen, and his foals now follow on, in type and attitude."

"He was a character and was loved by all."