Sport

Time is called on true great

RACING: Time was finally called on Istabraq's remarkable career yesterday and the triple Champion Hurdler has been retired

Fri Mar 22 2002 - 00:00

RACING: Time was finally called on Istabraq's remarkable career yesterday and the triple Champion Hurdler has been retired. The gelding will be sent to owner JP McManus's Martinstown Stud in Kilmallock Co Limerick, writes Brian O'Connor.

The decision to retire Istabraq was made after lengthy examination of the off-hind hock injury he picked up at Cheltenham 10 days ago. That race was one of just six in 29 starts over jumps that Istabraq failed to win in a career that also saw him win the 1997 SunAlliance and four AIG Champion Hurdles.

"It was a privilege to ride him," said Charlie Swan who rode the horse in all his races over jumps. "I have a few nice horses left to look forward to but there is none to replace him."

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Istabraq has given us all wonderful memories and it has been a privilege to train him." Istabraq, a half-brother to the 1984 Epsom Derby winner Secreto, won just twice on the Flat when trained by John Gosden.

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He was subsequently picked out by John Durkan as a potential top jumper but the horse was given to O'Brien after Durkan was diagnosed with leukaemia. Durkan died in 1998.

Istabraq retires, having won over £1 million sterling in his career, as Ireland's most successful horse in recent years and one of just five horses to have won the Champion Hurdle three years in a row.

Swan partnered Istabraq in each of his 29 races over timber and he is sad to see him bow out of racing. He said: "It's farewell to a fantastic horse - I'm unlikely to come across one like him again. He was superbly handled, looked after and trained. I had the easy job riding him.

"I suppose it's amazing we both lasted this long. I have a few nice horses left to look forward to riding such as Like-A-Butterfly, though there's none likely to replace him. I have no thoughts of retiring from the saddle, I am still enjoying it immensely."

O'Brien also praised the achievements of one of his enduring stable stars and he thanked racing fans for their support in the last week.

He said: "Istabraq has given us wonderful memories to cherish and all who were associated with him feel especially privileged. "We would like to thank all who sent letter, cards and messages of goodwill.

"The outpouring of affection and appreciation for him has been overwhelming."