RIP Istabraq. Hold Your horses! Dead At The Age Of 32.
The all-time well-known horse Istabraq died at the age of 32. The billionaire owner, JP McManus confirmed the news in his emotional message to the reporters.
JP McMamus stated that he was a special horse and would be remembered as an icon forever. The owner confirmed that he passed away this morning at 1:15 am. He was a source of many great days of wonder.
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The owner also acknowledges the care and attention Lara Hegarty, Johnny O’Brien and the other staff members gave to the horse. Istabraq was in the care of special hands for several years. The fact that they could celebrate his birthday in May made them content.
According to the reports of the Racing Post, O’Brien felt incredible to have Istabraq on his 32nd birthday. He said, “he was treated like an absolute God”. He received several letters and visitors on his special day. Watching him grow and win the races one after another was a treat to the eyes of spectators.
Istabraq’s Beginning…
The year 1998 marked the beginning of his special career milestones, winning Champion Hurdle three times. Aidan O’Brien, his trainer, referred to him as the “horse of a lifetime”. He won 25 races out of 40 and bagged more than £1 million as prize money.
Additionally, he was the fifth horse to win three titles at the 2000 Cheltenham Festival after winning 23 of 29 races over the hurdles. The 1997 Royal and Sunalliance Novices’ Hurdle, Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton’s Grace Hurdles, and the Aintree Hurdle are among his other victories.
Istabraq was initially owned by Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and was trained at Stanley House Stables by John Gasden. Gaden is the son of Sadler’s Wells who supported the horse in becoming the modern-era legendary National Hunt horse.
The horse’s racing days started coming to an end when his name was pulled from the bid for a fourth Champion Hurdle in 2002, at Cheltenham. His happy retirement days commenced thereafter, leading to a birthday celebration in May, at the age of 32.
Istabraq became a winning machine after achieving his first success at the Cheltenham Festival in 1997. There was no stopping for him later as he became part of an astonishing ten-race winning streak.
However, he faced defeats like that to Pridwell at Aintree, still remaining unbeatable due to his rigorous running abilities. He was able to compete in another eight-race winning run in which he was turned over by Limestone at 1-7. The race was held in November 1999 at the Fairyhouse.
It was considered a temporary glitch when he was again able to gain his number one position with a four-length 2000 Champion Hurdle win. Hors La Loi Ill was defeated and Istabraq gained back with ease.
The 32-year-old beast remained a hot favourite among his fans as he was able to shine through the turf effortlessly. He was described as “being like a vintage Rolls Royce”, dismissing his rivals with the speed of lightning.
Charlie Swan was always present in the saddle with Istabraq. He stated that the horse was looked after “like a king at Martinstown”. He played some of his greatest innings throughout his 32 years of life. His fond memories would remain with all of the people associated with him, Swan admitted.
Further praises came from Swan as his third Champion Hurdle is remembered as the most special one. Swan was a fan of the strength in his front legs, despite starting his journey as young as a two-year old, and declared that the horse was extremely accurate with his running and jumps in the hurdles. He was quick and displayed leads of speed, setting a display of some of the finest races of his era.
