All-time great Istabraq dies aged 32 as JP McManus pays emotional tribute to one of the best horses ever
LEGENDARY racehorse Istabraq has died at the age of 32, owner JP McManus confirmed in an emotional statement.
An all-time great adored by punters, Istabraq won the Champion Hurdle three times in a row from 1998.
Istabraq will be remembered as one of the best jumps horses of all timeTimes Newspapers Ltd
The billionaire owner said in a statement: “Sadly, Istabraq passed away at 1.15am 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.”
The Aidan O’Brien-trained sensation won 25 of his 40 races under rules and amassed more than £1million in prize money.
By Sadler’s Wells, Istabraq started off as a Flat horse for John Gosden, winning Class 4s at the likes of Salisbury and Ayr before moving to Ballydoyle.
It was there he was sent over hurdles and crafted into a winning machine who got his first Cheltenham Festival success in the 1997 Royal Sunalliance Novices’ Hurdle.
That victory came part of an astonishing ten-race winning streak which culminated the following year with his first Champion Hurdle success.
A shock defeat to Pridwell at Aintree followed that before he proved unbeatable once more.
Another eight-race winning run – five of them Grade 1s – followed that before he was infamously turned over at 1-7 by Limestone Lad at Fairyhouse in November 1999.
But it proved a temporary blip, with Istabraq’s 2000 Champion Hurdle win – a four-length defeat of Hors La Loi III – cementing his position as one of the greats.
More to follow.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
