Swan pays tribute to iconic Istabraq

By Shane Brophy

Charlie Swan has described Istabraq as the “Horse of a Lifetime” after the legendary race-horse died last week at the ripe old age of 32.

The Cloughjordan jockey rode Istabraq to four wins at the Cheltenham Festival, including a three-in-a-row of Champion Hurdles from 1998 to 2000. In all, Swan and Istabraq won fourteen Grade 1 races together.

“He was a great horse, he was just different,” Swan said.

“He was the horse of a lifetime. JP McManus and the family were very attached to him.

“They are great memories, and even though it was a great age for a race-horse, it is always sad when they die.”

Initially a smart flat horse for John Gosden, the son of Sadler's Wells went onto become one of the greatest and most popular National Hunt horses of the modern era after joining the Aidan O’Brien stable, on the recommendation of the late John Durkan to JP McManus.

“The first day I rode him was schooling one day at the Curragh and he jumped really well, like a complete natural,” Swan recalls.

“He had a great technique. To be a great race-horse you be able to jump.”

In all, Istabraq won 23 of his 29 races over obstacles, most famously becoming the fifth horse to win three Champion Hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival in 2000.

He also won the 1997 Royal & Sun Alliance Novices’ Hurdle, as well as four Irish Champion Hurdles, two Hatton’s Grace Hurdles and an Aintree Hurdle over the course of his glittering career.

“Winning the third Champion Hurdle was the best because not many horses have won it three times,” Swan says of the high point but still laments the missed opportunity of not being able to make history of winning the race four times as the Festival was cancelled due to the foot and mouth disease in 2021.

Istabraq’s racing days came to an end after being pulled up in his bid for a fourth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in 2002 with Swan admitting one of the reasons, he retired from riding later that year was the end of his time with Istabraq.

“When he wasn’t around, you need a good horse to keep you going. It was a small bit of the reason,” Swan admits.

For the last 22 years, Istabraq has enjoyed a long and happy retirement at JP McManus’ Martinstown Stud in Limerick, celebrating his 32nd birthday in May with a little celebration, with Charlie Swan a regular visitor to see his old pal.

“It was great to be involved with the whole thing. They were great times, and I will never forget them,” Swan concluded.

Owner JP McManus described Istabraq as “a very special horse who gave us many great days of fun and enjoyment.

"He leaves Noreen, myself, and the family with wonderful memories."