Post by Carl LaFong on Jul 25, 2024 16:02:17 GMT
He was 32.
Istabraq, one of the all-time great hurdlers in jump racing history, has died at the age of 32, his owner JP McManus has announced.
In a statement issued on Thursday, McManus 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 the Martinstown stud 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.”
Charlie Swan, who was ever-present in the saddle aboard Istabraq during his jumping career, has fond memories of the hurdling great. He said: “It’s a sad day, but I suppose he had a great innings; he was 32, and he was looked after like a king at Martinstown, as he deserved.
“I had some great days and I suppose winning the third Champion Hurdle is the one that sticks out. It hadn’t been done many times and that was a special day. His jumping was so good – he was so quick to get his front legs out and was very accurate.
“He obviously had loads of speed but he stayed well and jumped – he had everything really. And you could ride him any way you wanted.”
www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/25/istabraq-dies-horse-racing
Istabraq, one of the all-time great hurdlers in jump racing history, has died at the age of 32, his owner JP McManus has announced.
In a statement issued on Thursday, McManus 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 the Martinstown stud 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.”
Charlie Swan, who was ever-present in the saddle aboard Istabraq during his jumping career, has fond memories of the hurdling great. He said: “It’s a sad day, but I suppose he had a great innings; he was 32, and he was looked after like a king at Martinstown, as he deserved.
“I had some great days and I suppose winning the third Champion Hurdle is the one that sticks out. It hadn’t been done many times and that was a special day. His jumping was so good – he was so quick to get his front legs out and was very accurate.
“He obviously had loads of speed but he stayed well and jumped – he had everything really. And you could ride him any way you wanted.”
www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/25/istabraq-dies-horse-racing
