Australian Cup-winning horse Lonhro dies

One of the most iconic names in Australian horse racing passed away on Friday. Legendary stallion Lonhro has died, according to his former trainers and current caretakers Godolphin Australia. The 2004 Australian Cup winner was 25 years old when he passed away.  
 
In his racing career, Lonhro won 11 Group 1 races and over 25 in his career overall. He earned $5,790,510 in prize money, which was a substantial sum for the period in which he raced in the early 2000s. There has been an outpouring of grief and comments, remembering this great horse. 

Godolphin Australia announce death of star horse 

On Friday, Godolphin Australia made an announcement that no Australian horse racing fan wanted to hear. “It is with a heavy heart Godolphin Australia announce the passing of former Darley stallion, Lonhro,” the announcement read. 
 
Lonhro was once one of the biggest names in horse racing, captivating audiences and horse racing betting fans with stellar performances. The stallion had 11 Group 1 wins and 24 overall wins at Group level to his name. If you can think of a major Australian race, Lonhro probably won it. 
 
Lonhro won the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes (twice), Mackinnon Stakes, Chipping Norton, George Ryder, Queen Elizabeth, CF Orr, Chipping Norton, George Main Stakes, and Australian Cup (2,000m). With these wins, Lonhro earned $5,790,510 in prize money.  

Lonhro was “  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. 

Jockey remembers 2004 Australian Cup win 

Lonhro had a number of big race wins to his name. None were bigger than his spectacular performance at the 2004 Australian Cup at Flemington with jockey Darren Beadman.  
 
“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,” said Beadman, reacting to Lonhro’s death.  
 
“It’s a very sad day. It was a shock…It brought a tear to my eye. It’s a very, very sad day, but we must reflect on what he has achieved,” Beadman said.  
 
“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. "
 
“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’s legacy 

Lonhro is remembered as a dominant horse from a different era of Australian horse racing and as ‘The people’s horse.’ 
 
“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,” his former jockey Beadman said.  
 
This legacy will live on in the horses he’s sired. Lonhro has been a stud for Godolphin since 2004.  
 
“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 Godolphin.  
 
Pierro, Impending, Denman, Encryption and Exosphere are some of the horses Lonhro has sired. He’s also been an impressive broodmare sire with his daughters producing 101 Group-winning horses.  
 
Above it all, Godolphin believes Lonhro will be remembered as “the ultimate thoroughbred’.