The ‘Black Flash’ Lonhro, one of the most popular racehorses in the modern era of Australian racing, has died at the age of 25.
An 11-time G1 winner for trainer John Hawkes and the Ingham family’s Woodlands Racing Syndicate, the son of Octagonal went on to become a leading sire for the Darley Australia operation.
Lonhro won 26 of his 35 career starts, among them a total of 24 Group races including a plethora of G1 victories – highlighted by an unforgettable victory in the Australian Cup as a five-year-old at Flemington in 2004, where he somehow got out of a pocket for a narrow victory over a top-class field.
Godolphin Australia’s corporate director Ross Cole paid tribute to the horse, who died at the operation’s Kelvinside Stud, having been pensioned from stud duties in March 2023.
“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 Cole in a statement.
“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 honoured to have him as part of our operation.”
Born at Woodlands on Thursday, 10 December 1998, the striking black colt was named for the stock exchange code of the London Rhodesian Mining and Land Company (LONRHO). As a foal, he had been described as “tiny but perfect” – an epithet ascribed to LONRHO CEO Tony Rowland.
As well as the Australian Cup, the horse won the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes (twice), Mackinnon Stakes, Chipping Norton, George Ryder, Queen Elizabeth, CF Orr, Chipping Norton and George Main Stakes.
A Hall of Famer, Lonhro was named Australian Horse of the Year in 2004. “People still approach me in 2024 to discuss the Australian Cup,” said his regualr jockey Darren Beadman.
“it’s a testament to how he captured so many people’s imagination, which speaks volumes about his career,” the former jockey went on.
“It’s a very sad day. It was a shock when Ross [Cole] 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 class with a capital C.”
“From his early days as a two-year-old right through the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, he raced every race giving 110 per cent, every time he went around. That's all you can ask of him.”
Lonhro was to become a hugely successful sire for Woodlands and Darley, for whom he was Australia’s leading sire in 2010-11. G1-winning progeny are headed by the Golden Slipper winner Pierro.
Beadman added: “For five or six years, those who got to witness his expertise on the track could then see him excel in the breeding barn, being as consistent and influential as he was. He’s ticked every box; not many horses have that resume.
“I was there at his 21st. It was a special day and that moment we got to spend together will be something I will always remember.”
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