Race is finally run for The Big O

JOHN Hawkes’ favourite horse Octagonal, the superstar who he said took his training to another level, died yesterday at age 24.

The 10-time Group 1 winner and Australia’s Horse Of The Year in 1996 was euthanised at Godolphin Woodlands.

Wayne Hawkes said Octagonal was the horse that put their stable on the map.

“He changed our lives when he came along and he’ll always be regarded as our best horse,” Hawkes said. “Everything has to come to an end but he’ll never be forgotten.”

Darren Beadman rode him in five of his 10 Group 1 wins and described him “as a superstar.”

“The Big O as he was affectionately known, was still bright and alert mentally but was struggling physically,” a statement from Godolphin said.

Octagonal was raced by Jack and Bob Ingham and raced in their cerise colours.

Next Saturday marks the 21st anniversary of Octagonal’s narrow victory in the Cox Plate after a titanic struggle with Mahogany.

The following autumn Octagonal won the three-yearold Triple Crown of the Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas and Australian Derby, and was involved in titanic battles with Saintly, Filante and Nothin’ Leica Dane.

Octagonal won the hearts of racegoers with his tenacity.

“He was a backmarker so he was always vulnerable and never won by big margins,” Beadman said. “He was always vulnerable but he always went to war for you.”

As a stallion, Octagonal sired one superstar in Lonhro who won 11 races. Unlike his sire, Lonhro went on to be a successful stallion.

“It is a sad day as Octagonal is an old favourite of everyone and he will be sorely missed. He was such a lovely horse to deal with and such a big part of Woodlands,” John Sunderland, Woodlands general manager said.

Octagonal will be buried at Woodlands, where he has spent the majority of the past 16 years, alongside his old mate Canny Lad.