MARTINSTOWN Stud announced the passing of legendary hurdler Istabraq in the early hours of Thursday morning, just over two months after the hugely popular bay celebrated his 32nd birthday.

The statement read: “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.”

Trained by Aidan O’Brien for J.P. McManus, the son of Sadler’s Wells became a household name, his honest head as recognisable as the green and gold hoops worn by Charlie Swan to 14 Grade 1 victories.

Durkan’s legacy

His success was especially poignant for connections, as he was originally meant to be trained by John Durkan, who passed away just months after his £36,000 purchase by Timmy Hyde. Durkan had recognised the bay’s talent while working as assistant trainer to John Gosden, who trained Istabraq to win a Salisbury maiden over a mile and six furlongs for breeder Shadwell.

After partnering the three-year-old colt to his maiden success, jockey Willie Carson remarked he couldn’t quicken, a comment presumably never repeated by his subsequent partner-in-crime Swan. It was a far cry from what was expected of a three-parts brother to Secreto, to whom El Gran Senor suffered his sole defeat in the Epsom Derby.

His dam, a half-sister to Group 1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Carocolero, was purchased by Shadwell following the death of legendary breeder E.P. Taylor, and sent to Derrinstown Stud.

Istabraq joined O’Brien with a flat rating of 87, and - given what he went on to achieve over two miles - you’d wonder what international dual-purpose campaign connections might have undertaken in the current day. The flat speed he brought to hurdling, along with his long leaps at full flight, thrilled spectators and seared his performances to memory.

History-maker

Istabraq was beaten by a neck on his Irish debut at Punchestown, but reversed the form with previous Grade 1 winner Noble Thyne next time out when winning the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle impressively, and again when winning the first of four Irish Champion Hurdles.

Istabraq was one of four horses to have notched three victories in the Champion Hurdle, his attempt at a record fourth thwarted by the foot and mouth outbreak. His CV featured 23 wins from 29 starts, with earnings exceeding £1million. Pulled up on his final start at Cheltenham, Istabraq was retired to the paddocks at McManus’ Martinstown Stud, where he enjoyed 22 blissful years worthy of a champion.