As promised, the 2024 horse racing season has been an exhilarating one so far. But the passing away of the iconic Irish-bred horse Falbrav has created a lacuna that’s hard to recover from. A multiple Grade 1 winner, the Hong Kong Cup winner was an absolute treat to watch during his legendary racing career, as British jockey Frankie Dettori once bemoaning about him, “He’s up there with the very best I’ve been on in my life”.

Falbrav was pensioned from stallion duties in 2015 after being afflicted with a debilitating disease. Later, he relished his retirement days in the distinguished Shadai Stallion Station in Japan. But it’s now the last hurrah for the 26-year-old from the equestrian community.

The wear and tear of old age catches up with Falbrav

Born on 28 February 1998, it’s the end of Falbrav’s memorable journey as the world bids farewell to the champion horse. He had been unwell since the start of 2023, and 2024 has finally ended his suffering. “He passed away around 11:30 a.m. yesterday. It was due to old age. He seemed to have been suffering from some colic, and he had been feeling a little unwell since the end of the year”, Shadai Stallion Station Manager, Eisuke Tokutake revealed.

Falbrav was the son of Fairy King, and perpetuating the bloodline, he has left behind some good horses as well. While the equines out of him prepare to cement their legacy, Falbrav has left big boots to be filled. The 26-year-old had conquered tracks in Japan, France, Italy, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong winning an astonishing eight Group 1 races in his career. Moreover, he had the pleasure of being ridden by the 2023 Breeders’ Cup winner Frankie Dettori, twice to Grade 1 victories.

Falbrav’s illustrious horse racing sojourn

Falbrav was bred by Azienda Agricola Francesca in Ireland but later moved to Italy for training under Luciano d’Auria. He was placed in Group 2 as a juvenile but would go on to stamp his authority with a second-place finish in the Group 1 Italian Derby in 2001. Ending the season with a rating of 113, he would become the best three-year-old horse in Italy. However, he still lacked a Group 1 victory.

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The prestigious Group 1 victories came soon and in plenty. Falbrav would win the Premio Presidente della Repubblica and Gran Premio di Milano (both G1) in 2002 and later in November that year. He would then add Prix d’Ispahan (G1) in France, and Eclipse Stakes, Juddmonte International Stakes, and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (all G1) in the United Kingdom to his repertoire. Capping off his incredible career in 2003, Falbrav would again triumph with Dettori in the prestigious Hong Kong Cup. He indeed was one of the best.

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