Istabraq, one of the most revered hurdling champions throughout racing history, has passed away at age 32, according to JP McManus.
A statement issued by McManus on Thursday reads: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Istabraq at precisely 1.15am today. He was a truly unique and cherished horse who provided us numerous moments of joy and delight."
Writers thank Lara Hegarty, Johnny O’Brien, and all the staff at Martinstown stud for their exceptional care over the years. We are grateful that we celebrated his most recent birthday in May with great fanfare. Istabraq will be dearly missed by Noreen, myself, and our family."
Charlie Swan, who spent much of his career aboard Istabraq, reminisced about the hurdler's illustrious racing history: "It’s undeniably a sorrowful day. However, he had an impressive tenure; at 32 years old and with such exemplary treatment in Martinstown."
Swan recalled winning the third Champion Hurdle as one of his most memorable experiences. He said that this achievement was particularly special because it hadn't been accomplished often before, adding to its significance. Istabraq's jumping skills were unparalleled - he had an exceptional stride and remarkable accuracy in clearing hurdles.
Istabraq, a son of the esteemed sire Sadler’s Wells and out of a dam by the legendary American horse Secretariat, began his career on the flat under Newmarket trainer John Gosden, triumphing at Salisbury and Ayr in 1995.
However, after being acquired for 38,000 guineas by McManus, he transitioned to Irish hurdle training with John Durkan. Following Durkan's death from leukaemia at the age of 31, Istabraq was transferred to Aidan O’Brien's yard.
Istabraq excelled in this new environment, winning a total of 23 out of his 29 races over hurdles, with three victories in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2000. He also secured four Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton’s Grace Hurdles, and an Aintree Hurdle throughout his distinguished career.
Timeform described Istabraq as a joint second-best hurdler ever, only surpassed by their top-rated runner Night Nurse from the 1970s. Istabraq's racing days concluded after being withdrawn from contention for a fourth Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2002 and he enjoyed an extended retirement at McManus’s stud farm in County Limerick.
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