Champion Australian racehorse and successful sire Lonhro passes away at 25 years old

Lonhro was trained by John Hawkes for the Woodlands Racing Syndicate and became a beloved figure in the early 2000s due to his exceptional looks and remarkable talent. He won 11 Group 1 races and was known as ‘the black flash’. One of his most memorable victories came in the 2004 Australian Cup, where he overcame significant hurdles to defeat Delzao. Lonhro’s lifetime earnings reached AUS$5,790,510.

Throughout his career, he also won the Orr Stakes, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Chipping Norton, Caulfield Stakes, and George Ryder twice. After retiring, Lonhro became a successful sire for Godolphin, producing notable racehorses such as Pierro, Gronkowski, and Cardsharp. Ross Cole, the corporate director of Godolphin Australia, expressed his admiration for Lonhro and his impact within the operation. In addition to his racing achievements, Lonhro’s enduring popularity was evident as his regular rider, Darren Beadman, paid tribute to him.

Beadman acknowledged the horse’s lasting impact on people’s imagination and expressed his sadness upon hearing about Lonhro’s passing. Lonhro was recognized for his remarkable career, being crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year in 2004 and inducted into the nation’s Hall of Fame in 2014.