HOW ON EARTH DID LONHRO WIN THE 2004 AUSTRALIAN CUP?

By champion thoroughbred stallion Octagonal, racehorse LONHRO had a lot to live up to…

Lonhro won 26 horseraces from 35 career starts, including 11 at the highest Group 1 level. He drew the nickname 'The Black Flash' thanks to his unusual black coat.

Showing promise from an early age with wins in Sydney and the Blue Diamond Prelude before stamping himself as a top-liner in the spring of 2001, Lonhro powered home in the Caulfield Guineas (Caulfield) under Darren Gauci to earn a first Group 1, while glory came knocking again in the Yalumba Stakes (Caulfield) outmuscling New Zealand's courageous mare Sunline.

Jockey Darren Beadman was handed the reins and the pair created a formidable partnership collecting major wins in the Mackinnon Stakes (Flemington), Chipping Norton Stakes (Warwick Farm), Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Randwick), George Main Stakes (Randwick), C F Orr Stakes (Caulfield), and two George Ryder Stakes (Rosehill) titles.

Although Lonhro failed to emulate the deeds of his sire by winning a Cox Plate - failing twice in 2002 and 2003 - his final season saw him yield five Group 1s.

Lonhro produced a performance for the ages in the 2004 Australian Cup at Flemington. Two starts later, Grand Armee spoiled Lonhro's farewell party in the 2004 Queen Elizabeth Stakes
at Randwick

Backing up his brilliant career on the racetrack Lonhro established himself as a star at stud standing at Darley Stud's Kelvinside, NSW base.

To date, he has sired 12 individual Group 1 winners including Pierro and Impending.

--

Trainer: John Hawkes

1st George Ryder Stakes 2004
1st Australian Cup 2004
1st C F Orr Stakes 2004
1st Yalumba Stakes 2003, 2002
1st George Main Stakes 2003
1st Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2003
1st Darley Stakes 2003
1st Chipping Norton Stakes 2003
1st Mackinnon Stakes 2002
1st Caulfield Guineas 2001

----------

About World Horse Racing:

We get you closer to the racing you love, taking you behind the scenes to meet the greatest trainers, jockeys and horses - along with the rising stars. And if you’re new to the sport, we’ll help you learn what makes horse racing such an unforgettable experience.

Facebook: /worldhorseracing
Twitter: @WHR
Instagram: @worldhorseracing