Lonhro , one of Australia’s greatest horses, has died at age 25.
Trained by John Hawkes for the Woodlands Racing Syndicate, Lonhro captured the hearts of the nation with his stunning looks and outstanding ability, which saw him win 11 group 1s and engage in some memorable battles in the early 2000s.
Known as “The Black Flash,” Lonhro’s finest hour came in the 2004 Australian Cup (G1) when he was repeatedly denied racing room but still managed to defeat Delzao by a head with a startling late surge. A winner of 26 of 35 starts, he made the equivalent of $3,627,727.
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In an exceptional career against a golden age of Australian talent, he also won the C. F. Orr Stakes (G1), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and Chipping Norton (G1), as well as the Caulfield Stakes (G1) and George Ryder (G1) twice.
He was the pin-up horse of Australian racing when he retired to Woodlands Stud in 2004, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum securing the bloodstock operations of Ingham Enterprises in May 2008. Lonhro remained a Darley stallion after that.
Lonhro was also a hugely decorated sire for Godolphin upon his retirement, producing the likes of Pierro , Gronkowski and, 2017 July Stakes (G2) winner Cardsharp .
Godolphin Australia corporate director Ross Cole said: “Lonhro had a huge and well-earned following, and he earned the admiration and respect of everyone within our Godolphin teams over his years as a Darley stallion and in his retirement. We were honored to have him as part of our operation.”
Lonhro’s regular rider, Darren Beadman, also paid tribute while acknowledging the horse’s enduring popularity.
He said: “People still approach me in 2024 to discuss the Australian Cup. It’s a testament to how he captured so many people’s imagination, which speaks volumes about his career. It’s a very sad day. It was a shock when Ross rang and told me. It brought a tear to my eye. It’s a very, very sad day, but we must reflect on what he has achieved.
“He will be a horse that everyone talks about for generations to come, remembered not just for his victories on the track but also for being the people’s horse. He was very dynamic in his racing career, his acceleration, and the way he won with superiority and toughness. He oozed class. He was the class with a capital C.”
Lonhro was crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year in 2004 and was inducted into the nation’s Hall of Fame in 2014.
“He rewarded so many of the people who supported him. His sons and daughters will ensure his name lives on, and his bloodline will remain sought after for generations,” said Darley Australia’s head of stallions Alastair Pulford.
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