The legendary racehorse Istabraq passed away today at the age of 32. The three-time Champion Hurdle winner is considered one of the greatest racehorses ever, having won 23 of his 29 races over fences during his career.
The horse also won the 1997 Royal and Sun Alliance Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham, as well as four Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton's Grace Hurdles, and an Aintree Hurdle in his career.
Istabraq's last race came in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2002, and he has been retired at JP McManus' Martinstown Stud in County Limerick ever since.
McManus said: "Sadly, Istabraq passed away at 1:15 a.m. this morning at the ripe old age of 32.
"He was a very special horse who gave us many great days of fun and enjoyment. Our thanks to Lara Hegarty, Johnny O'Brien, and all the staff at Martinstown who took such fantastic care of him over many years.
"We are pleased that we gave him a good celebration for his most recent birthday in May. He leaves Noreen, myself, and the family with wonderful memories."
14 Mar 2000: Charlie Swan rides Istabraq to win The Smurfit Champion Hurdle Race during the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse in England. Mandatory Credit: Phil Cole/Getty ImagesDuring his career, Istabraq was ridden in all of his 29 jump races by Charlie Swan, and the pair teamed up to win 14 Grade 1 races. Swan, speaking recently about the legendary racehorse before his passing, gave an insight into the type of horse Istabraq was
"From day one, he was just a very natural jumper. He loved it; he didn't run around at his hurdles; he just took them on. He had such a great technique to get away from the back of a hurdle, and he'd land running the whole time.
"John Gosden had trained him for Sheikh Hamdan al-Maktoum at Shadwell, and he’d won for them on the flat. Aidan was obviously just starting out at the time, and he'd been a jump jockey. The focus very much in those days was the jumps game."
