'He was a very special horse' - hurdling great Istabraq dies aged 32

In all Istabraq won 23 of his 29 races over obstacles on his way to becoming one of the sport's most beloved horses. 

GLORY DAYS: Istabraq and Charlie Swan are led back after winning their third Champion Hurdle in a row for owner JP McManus and trainer Aidan O'Brien in 2000. Pic: Healy Racing

Three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq has died at the age of 32, his owner JP McManus has announced.

Initially a smart Flat horse for John Gosden, the son of Sadler's Wells went on to become one of the greatest and most popular National Hunt horses of the modern era after joining Aidan O'Brien.