Written by Keely Mckitterick
Cover image courtesy of Godolphin Australia
With heavy hearts, Godolphin Australia announced the passing of Lonhro, the Champion Racehorse and former Darley stallion, at the age of 25.
The striking black son of Octagonal (NZ) retired from stud duties in March last year, concluding a remarkably successful career. In total, Lonhro sired 97 stakes winners, including 13 individual Group 1 winners.
“A wonderful contributor to the Australian racing and breeding worlds, and as ‘the people’s champion’ Lonhro will be forever remembered for what he was able to achieve on the racetrack,” said Godolphin Australia’s Corporate Director, Ross Cole said in a press release.
Ross Cole
“Lonhro had a huge and well-earned following, and he earnt the admiration and respect of everyone within our Godolphin teams over his years as a Darley stallion and in his retirement. We were honoured to have him as part of our operation.”
Lonhro, born at Woodlands on Thursday, December 10, 1998, hailed from a prestigious lineage. His father, Octagonal, was a Champion on the racetrack, clinching 10 Group 1 victories, including the illustrious G1 Cox Plate. Lonhro, the seventh foal of Shadea (NZ) (Straight Charge {USA}), inherited his father’s excellence.
Shadea herself was a classy competitor, boasting victories in the G3 Sweet Embrace S. and placing in races the calibre of the G1 Sires’ Produce S. and the G1 Champagne S. Lonhro's siblings included the triple Group 1 winner Niello (Octagonal {NZ}) and the dual Listed winner Shannara (Octagonal {NZ}).
Lonhro | Image courtesy of Godolphin Australia
Under the guidance of trainer John Hawkes, Lonhro dazzled on the racetrack, earning the moniker "the black flash." As a juvenile, he demonstrated promise with notable performances in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts and Geldings) and a respectable fourth-place finish in the G1 Blue Diamond S.
As a 3-year-old, Lonhro’s prowess flourished, capturing prestigious titles such as the G1 Caulfield Guineas and the G1 George Main S. He swiftly ascended to become one of Australia’s premier weight-for-age runners, claiming victories across a spectrum of distances, from 1100 to 2000 metres. Lonhro’s illustrious career included triumphs in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S., the G1 Mackinnon S., and the iconic G1 Australian Cup, famously ridden to victory by Darren Beadman.
Lonhro retired with an impressive tally of 26 victories, including eleven elite-level wins. He earned accolades such as the 2003/04 Australian Horse of the Year, the Champion 3-Year-Old in Australia, and ranked at the top of various classifications and world rankings throughout his career.
“Lonhro had a huge and well-earned following, and he earnt the admiration and respect of everyone within our Godolphin teams over his years as a Darley stallion and in his retirement. We were honoured to have him as part of our operation.” - Ross Cole
Reflecting on Lonhro’s legacy, Beadman remarked that the 2004 Australian Cup victory remains etched in people's memories, a testament to Lonhro’s enduring impact on racing enthusiasts worldwide.
Stud influence
After his retirement to Woodlands Stud, Lonhro came under the ownership of HH Sheikh Mohammed in 2008. In 2011, he was honoured with the title of Champion Sire. The legacy of the son of Octagonal continues through his progeny.
In a period of far less prize money, Lonhro amassed a staggering $5,790,510 and was the pin-up horse of Australian racing when he retired to Woodlands Stud in 2004, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum securing the bloodstock operations of Ingham Enterprises in May of 2008. Lonhro has remained a Darley stallion since.
Lonhro’s influence extends beyond the racetrack; he is already making a significant impact as a broodmare sire. Notable examples include Zapateo, the victress of the G1 The Galaxy, Gatting (Hard Spun {USA}), winner of the G1 Makybe Diva S., and Golden Mile (Astern), who triumphed in the G1 Caulfield Guineas. Interestingly, all three are sired by Darley stallions, and both Zapateo and Golden Mile proudly bear the royal blue colours.
Lonhro with jockey, Darren Beadman and Jack Ingham | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Lonhro’s success doesn't end there; his sons have also excelled at stud. Pierro, one of his notable sire sons and best runners, has sired 36 Group 1 winners. Other stallion sons include Impending, Deman, Encryption, and Exosphere. Through his offspring, Lonhro’s legacy continues to flourish in the world of racing and breeding.
A gifted equine athlete, Lonhro exceeded his racetrack exploits while in the breeding barn, none is more qualified to reflect on his breeding career than Darley Australia’s Head of Stallions, Alastair Pulford, who guided the great sire’s career in the Darley breeding barn.
“They say that a stallion is the soul of a stud. That certainly applies to Lonhro. He was a horse that lifted your heart,” reflected Pulford.
“They say that a stallion is the soul of a stud. That certainly applies to Lonhro. He was a horse that lifted your heart.” - Alastair Pulford
And as we reflect on Lonhro’s legacy there is no better way to describe his impact on the racing and breeding worlds than: ‘Lonhro, the ultimate thoroughbred’.
