Istabraq was the 'horse of a lifetime' - AP McCoy
'It will be an upsetting day for everybody associated with Martinstown because there will be an empty stable there'
THE SAD news of Istabraq’s passing this Thursday have caused many to pause and reflect on where he stands among the pantheon of horse racing greats.
The JP McManus-owned 32-year-old won 23 out of 29 races in his prime including three Champion Hurdles and four Irish Champion Hurdles.
AP McCoy, Champion Jockey a record 20 consecutive times, took to X (formerly Twitter) to say: “RIP Istabraq. Lived 32 wonderful years - he truly was the horse of a lifetime.”
Closer to home, All-Ireland winning hurler Shane Dowling said it’s obviously sad news but he was a very lucky horse to go to Martinstown Stud, and live the life that he lived.
“It will be an upsetting day for everybody associated with Martinstown because there will be an empty stable there. At least they have had great memories over the last long number of years,” said Shane.
He said you can see what the horse meant to the McManus family from the birthday parties they have thrown for Istabraq. Shane spoke of the affiliation and long association the McManus family have with horses.
“Unfortunately, they can't live forever and they treasured every memory they could with Istabraq over the last couple of years. He was obviously a legend of a horse.
“When I was growing up, I remember my dad explaining to me about the colours and what the colours were associated with. He brought it back to GAA terms and said that the owner was involved with South Liberties GAA Club and they are the colours of South Liberties. That was the only way I understood it at seven or eight years of age,” said Shane.
As he got older and became interested in horse racing he understood more about the famous silks.
“JP’s colours were well on the map before Istabraq but he really brought the McManus silks to even more fame,” said Shane.