Owner and Breeders Aga Khan confirmed the news on Monday, that the 2000 Derby winner Sinndar has died at the age of 21.
Sinndar - foaled in 1997, won seven of his eight career starts for trainer John Oxx, adding the Irish Derby to the British equivalent, five months before winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.
Having won the European Champion 3yo Colt at the end of his three-year-old campaign, he was retired to Haras d’Ouilly stud, where has since sired several subsequent Group winners in Shawanda, Rosanara and most notably Youmzain - who placed in three consecutive Arcs.
(Credit: www.agakhanstuds.com) Aga Khan said: “It is with great sadness that the Aga Khan Studs announce the passing of Sinndar at the age of 21.
“A Group One winner at two, Sinndar remains the only horse to have won the Derby, the Irish Derby and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at the age of three.
(Credit: Racing Post) Speaking after his Arc triumph in 2000, trainer John Oxx said: "He's a great horse and a worthy winner of the Arc in the year 2000.
"He's set a standard there that will be hard enough for others to match and I'm sure that when we get to the year 2099 they will still write about this horse. He's been a great horse.”
Sinndar’s only defeat came on his first start as a 3yo in the Ballysax Stakes - where he was giving 7lb to winner; a result he reversed in a Group 3 Derby Trial next time out.
Johnny Murtagh rode Sinndar on all of his racecourse starts, also added: “No horse can get by him. He’s got speed, he’s got staying ability and a great heart. He’s the best horse. A true champion.”