Three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq has died on the age of 32, his proprietor JP McManus has introduced.
Initially a sensible Flat horse for John Gosden, the son of Sadler’s Wells went on to grow to be one of many biggest and hottest Nationwide Hunt horses of the trendy period after becoming a member of Aidan O’Brien.
In all Istabraq gained 23 of his 29 races over obstacles, most famously turning into the fifth horse to win three Champion Hurdles on the Cheltenham Pageant in 2000.
He additionally gained the 1997 Royal and Sunalliance Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in addition to 4 Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton’s Grace Hurdles and an Aintree Hurdle over the course of his glittering profession.
Istabraq’s racing days got here to an finish after being pulled up in his bid for a fourth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in 2002 and he has since loved a protracted and comfortable retirement at McManus’ Martinstown Stud in County Limerick, celebrating his thirty second birthday in Could.
In a press release issued on Thursday, McManus mentioned: “Sadly, Istabraq handed away at 1.15am this morning on the ripe previous age of 32. He was a really particular horse who gave us many nice days of enjoyable and delight.
“Our because of Lara Hegarty, Johnny O’Brien and all of the employees at Martinstown who took such improbable care of him over a few years.
“We’re happy that we gave him celebration for his most up-to-date birthday in Could. He leaves Noreen, myself and the household with great reminiscences.”
