Search
06 Sept 2025
Search
06 Sept 2025
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.
Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.
If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .
Support our mission and join our community now.
To continue reading this article, you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles!
Alternatively, you can pay €0.50 per article, capped at €1 per day.
Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism!
Istabraq with owner JP McManus and jockey Charlie Swan in 1999 I PICTURE: Sportsfile
Iconic Irish racehorse Istabraq, who won three Champion Hurdles in JP McManus' South Liberties GAA hurling silks, passed away early this Thursday morning.
Mr McManus, owner, confirmed the news in a statement, saying, "Sadly, Istabraq passed away at 1.15am this morning at the ripe old age of 32".
"He was a very special horse who gave us many great days of fun and enjoyment," said Mr McManus.
Istabraq, under Charlie Swan who rode him in all of his 29 races over jumps, won the Champion Hurlde at Cheltenham from 1998 to 2000. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Istabraq complete his hat-trick, at the main expense of Hors La Loi, and his legend was secure.
Istabraq was odds-on favourite for the 2001 renewal in Cheltenham before foot and mouth wiped out the meeting and put paid to his chances of a four-timer.
The horse was retired in 2002 and went to live a long and happy life in Martinstown for the last 22 years.
His birthday was marked every year with a celebration, cake, apples and carrots aplenty. He had many famous visitors over the years including Limerick hurling manager John Kiely and a number of senior hurlers.
Known as "a loveable, cheeky rogue" by those who looked after him, Istabraq will always have a special place in the hearts of lovers of horse racing.
Mr McManus thanked to Lara Hegarty, Johnny O’Brien and all the staff at Martinstown who took such fantastic care of him over many years.
"We are pleased that we gave him a good celebration for his most recent birthday in May.
"He leaves Noreen, myself and the family with wonderful memories," said Mr McManus.
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.
This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.
