Unbeaten Derby and Arc winner Lammtarra dies aged 22

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.”