LEGENDARY grey racehorse Daylami – famed for his success with Frankie Dettori – has sadly died aged 29.
The globetrotting superstar was just two weeks short of his 30th birthday.
Dettori does his famous flying dismount after winning the Breeders’ Cup Turf on the late Daylami
Billionaire religious leader the Aga Khan owned the horse at his stud in Ireland and his death was announced on their official Twitter page.
A statement read: “The Aga Khan Studs is sad to announce the passing of Daylami, who was put to sleep due to the infirmities of old age.”
A seven-time Group 1 winner, he was rated the world’s best racehorse alongside Montjeu in 1999.
Daylami, who was best known for racing in the Godolphin colours, was a money-making machine.
He won 11 of his 21 races and earned just shy of £2.3million.
Daylami’s most lucrative win came in his final race when he claimed the Breeders’ Cup Turf under Dettori.
That win at Gulfstream Park in November 1999 was worth £627,000 for connections and trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
But he endeared himself to British fans with Coral-Eclipse and King George VI Diamond Stakes at Sandown and Royal Ascot in 1998 and 1999 respectively.
Over the Irish Sea there were also victories in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh in May 1998 and the 1m2f Champion Stakes at Leopardstown the following year.
The statement on Aga Khan Studs’ website added: “As a stallion, Daylami spent time in Ireland, France and South Africa, siring the likes of Classic winner Grey Swallow and dual Group 1 winner Voila Ici.
“He is also the broodmare sire of Group 1 winners such as Arcano, Grand Glory, Logician and Pierro, the latter now a champion sire in Australia.
“For the past four years, Daylami had enjoyed a happy retirement with the Aga Khan Studs back at his birthplace in Ireland, cared for by his devoted handler Joe Doyle.
“He will be much missed by all the team and will be commemorated with a memorial at Gilltown Stud.”
Fans were quick to pay tribute to a legend of racing.
One said: “So sorry to hear that, he had a wonderful long life.”
While another posted: “So sad, but he had a wonderful life. RIP Daylami and run with the angels.”
The late Daylami storms to victory at Ascot
