RIP Lammtarra

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PNkt

PNkt

Well-Known Member
Jul 25, 2011
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Newmarket
From Darley's website:



Unbeaten Derby and Arc winner Lammtarra dies aged 22

Lammtarra, outstanding winner of the Derby, the King George and the Arc, was put to sleep at Dalham Hall Stud yesterday following a short illness

Winner of the Listed Washington Singer Stakes on his only start at two, the Gainsborough homebred (who raced in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed’s nephew Saeed Maktoum al Maktoum) returned at three under the Godolphin banner to achieve the almost unheard-of feat of winning the Derby on his seasonal debut. In doing so, he smashed the course record that had stood for almost 60 years and also became the first colt to take the Blue Riband without a prep race since Grand Parade in 1919. Lammtarra was the first horse by a Derby winner (Nijinsky) and out of an Oaks winner (Snow Bride) to take the time-honoured race.

Lammtarra’s sensational exploits did not end there, as he returned the following month – this time taking on older rivals in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. Headed by Pentire two furlongs from home, Lammtarra battled back brilliantly to win by a neck and keep his unbeaten record intact.

He then travelled to Paris for the Arc and was duly sent off favourite. Once again Lammtarra demonstrated the grit and determination that had earned him the nickname ‘the lion’ as he bravely fought off each and every challenger to post a three-quarter-length victory and cement his position as the Champion three-year-old of his year.

Retired to Dalham Hall Stud at the end of 1995, Lammtarra was rewarded with a full book of mares. He then stood in Japan for a number of years before returning to Dalham Hall in 2006 to see out his retirement.

Liam O’Rourke, Darley’s Stud Director, said, “Lammtarra was a horse that was very close to Sheikh Mohammed’s heart. He was very intelligent, a true gentleman and never gave anyone a moment’s trouble. Sadly, this was his time to go and we are pleased that he passed away comfortably. He will be missed by everyone here at Dalham.”
 
Just about to post that Princess. What a lovely horse he was. Ran once as a 2yo and won and, despite training being interrupted by contracting a virus, on his 3yo début he won the Derby in record time, then took on his elders in the KG and Arc and won both. Only 4 races in all and all 3 races as a 3yo were proper G1s. Doesn't happen does it?

RIP <rose> <peacedove> <peacedove> <peacedove>
 
Such a shame he never produced a superstar <peacedove> I saw him twice at Dalham where he was living in retirement.

Was a son of my all time favourite Nijinsky
 
He came along at a time where British racing was crying out for an Arc winner - Nashwan had swept all before him a couple of years earlier but flopped in the Niel and never went to the Arc. Lammtarra went largely under the radar screen, despite winning the Derby and King George. I don't know why, but he never captured my imagination. Maybe it was the silks? In those days we were used to the top horses carrying basically one of 3 silks - Sheikh Mohammed's maroon and white, Khalid Abdullah's familiar white / pink / green combination or Sheikh Hamdan's blue and white. I remember Lammtarra's jockey being in white and green silks? I think so at least. Couldn't identify with the silks and probably gave him less recognition than he deserved. Here is his Derby victory, with great NH sire Presenting in the places. Lammtarra absolutely flew home in the final furlong:

[video=youtube;Y99pK22aK2E]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y99pK22aK2E[/video]
 
I don't know if people remember, but Sheikh Mo brought Lammtarra back from Japan after the news about Ferdinand (Kentucky Derby winner) being sent for slaughter after failing at stud broke. Despite Lammtarra being sold to Japan, the Sheikh purchased him back and he lived out his days at the Stallion Yard at Dalham Hall, alongside fellow retirees Mark of a Esteem (who also recently died) and Fantastic Light.
 
Thanks for that Oddy. Thought I must be watching the wrong one for a bit. Looked to have no chance.
 
Ron said:
Thanks for that Oddy. Thought I must be watching the wrong one for a bit. Looked to have no chance.
Click to expand...

I had my shillings on Lammtarra that day, it must have been one of the last Wednesday Derbys (?) as I watched it in the customer suite of the printers that I worked for - no sneaky internet streaming in those days, and the only room in the building with a telly!

RIP Lammtarra <peacedove>
 
No it was a Saturday Reebs, and the first Saturday Derby of the modern era. Like you one of the few Derby winners I have backed.

Trained by Alec Scott as a 2yo, who trained all the Gainsborough horses of Maktoum al Maktoum. Although Ed Dunlop took over he was transferred to Suroor but kept running in the Saeed bin M a M colours.

Strange that he failed at stud, there's little Lammtarra in the stud book.

Shaamit won first time out the next year as well.
 
Great clip, Oddy, many thanks. What a finish by Lammtarra, don't think I've ever seen better in a Derby.

RIP Lammtarra <peacedove>
 
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