FAREWELL TO GREAT
Racing industry pays tribute to champion Lonhro
Hall Of Fame trainer John Hawkes has paid the ultimate accolade to champion Lonhro by describing him as the “complete thoroughbred”.
“Lonhro did it on the racetrack and did it at stud,’’ Hawkes said.
“There are not many horses that can do it on both sides of the fence like he did.
“He was a champion racehorse and then a champion at stud. He did it all.’’
The Hall Of Fame trainer was moved to pay tribute to Lonhro after learning of the great horse’s death on Friday. Hawkes said Lonhro took on and beat the best of his era, including Sunline, Makybe Diva, Grand Armee, Defier, Private Steer and Shogun Lodge.
“I define a champion by the quality of horses they beat during their career and Lonhro took on some outstanding horses and beat them all,’’ Hawkes said.
“In my opinion, his three greatest wins were in the Australian Cup, his second George Ryder Stakes win and the day he ran down Sunline in the Caulfield Stakes.
“The Australian Cup was something I will never forget because he struck plenty of trouble in the straight and still got up to win. The day he won the Ryder, I don’t think a horse anywhere in the world could have beaten him. Grand Armee was in great form but Lonhro sprinted straight past him.
“Then there was Lonhro’s win over Sunline. It was a twohorse race and he had to really dig deep to win.
“Lonhro’s record speak for itself – he was one of the superstars. I would like to have one like him in the stable now.’’
Godolphin Australia’s Ross Cole confirmed Lonhro’s death on Friday afternoon.
“It is with a heavy heart Godolphin Australia announces the passing of former Darley stallion, Lonhro,’’ Cole said.
“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.
“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 was a December foal when born at Woodlands in 1998. He was the son of another Hawkes-trained champion, Octagonal.
During an outstanding 35start career, Lonhro won 26 races, 11 at Group 1 level including the Caulfield Guineas, Caulfield Stakes (twice), Mackinnon Stakes, Chipping Norton Stakes (twice), George Ryder Stakes (twice), Queen Elizabeth Stakes, CF Orr Stakes and George Main Stakes.
Darren Beadman was Lonhro’s regular rider and made mention of the champion’s incredible win in the Australian Cup 20 years ago as one of the highlight of the champion’s career.
“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,” Beadman said.