JP McManus’ veteran star Carlingford Lough dies at Leopardstown

The five-time Grade One winner collapsed and died after the Paddy Power Chase

Tony McCoy celebrates winning the Gold Cup onboard Carlingford Lough  at Leopardstown in 2015. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Tony McCoy celebrates winning the Gold Cup onboard Carlingford Lough at Leopardstown in 2015. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho

JP McManus won the Paddy Power Chase with Auvergnat but the victory was tinged with sadness as the owner’s veteran star Carlingford Lough collapsed and died after the race.

The five-time Grade One winner, trained by John Kiely, finished 12th in the race and suffered a suspected heart attack after the being pulled up by Barry Geraghty.

Carlingford Lough won three top-flight races at Leopardstown including back to back renewals of the Irish Gold Cup in 2015 and 2016.

“It’s sad but he died doing what he loved. He ran on well after hunting his way through the race as he normally would. But he just took a wobble after the line and rolled over. He’s a big loss to John Kiely and his yard,” Geraghty said.

READ MORE

Among Carlingford Lough 10 career victories was also a memorable 2013 Galway Plate success under Tony McCoy.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column