Brilliant sprinter Lochsong, dual winner of the Prix de l’Abbaye, has died at the age of 26.
Trained by Ian Balding and enjoying her biggest moments when ridden by Frankie Dettori, the Jeff Smith-owned filly graduated from winning big handicaps such as the Ayr Gold Cup in the hands of the 7lb-claiming Franny Arrowsmith to ruling at the top level in the Longchamp showpiece (1993 and 1994) and the Nunthorpe at York, also in 1993.
Her win at Ayr made history as she became the first horse to complete the treble of the Portland at Doncaster, the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood and then the prestigious Scottish prize.
Lochsong spent her retirement at the familiar surroundings of Smith’s Littleton Stud in Hampshire.
Stud manager David Bowe said: “Sadly she got a colic this morning.
“She had been absolutely fine, the same old character. She was great to have about the place and she was a fantastic racemare.
“She was conceived here, foaled here and lived out her life here – she was part of the fabric and when her racing days were over she returned as one of the foundation mares of Littleton Stud.
“She had a great innings, and it’s nice to see them happy and healthy to the end and she had that.
“She was a great personality and leaves a big hole, but hopefully we will have some of her progeny back here.
“Her last foal, Swan Song, is in training with Andrew Balding and we look forward to seeing him here one day.”
