Istabraq won the Champion Hurdle three times at Cheltenham Festival (Image: Getty Images)
The horse racing world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest ever horses, three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq. At the impressive age of 32, the legendary jumper has sadly passed away, with the news announced by owner J P McManus on Thursday morning.
McManus, a billionaire racehorse owner, paid tribute to Istabraq in his statement. Acknowledging the immense pride and joy the champion brought to fans during his phenomenal career, he said: “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.”
Part of an elite group, Istabraq was only one of four horses to ever win the Champion Hurdle three times. His bid for a historic fourth win was sadly disrupted when the Foot and Mouth outbreak of 2001 resulted in that year’s Cheltenham Festival’s cancellation.
Champion Hurdle winning jockey Charlie Swan with owner JP McManus (left) and trainer Aiden O’Brien (right) of Istabraq at Cheltenham (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
Despite the setback, the resilient athlete returned to Cheltenham in 2022 for another attempt at the Champion Hurdle but was withdrawn early from the competition.
Away from Cheltenham, Istabraq had a dominant presence, boasting four victories in the Irish Champion Hurdle, alongside accolades from the Aintree Hurdle and two wins in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.
His impressive career saw him secure 23 victories from 29 races over jumps, including an astounding 14 at Grade 1 level.
After retirement, he was housed at McManus’s Martinstown Stud in Co Limerick. In May, McManus, O’Brien and jockey Charlie Swan gathered to celebrate his 32nd birthday.
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