b h Hoist the Flag - Princess Pout
Foaled: 1974
Races: 10, Wins: 9
Trainer: Vincent O'Brien
Owner: Robert Sangster
Racing News: Alleged, dual Arc hero, dies at 26
Tributes paid to an exceptional racehorse who won nine of his 10 starts and went on to establish an outstanding record as a sire
RACING POST 25/06/2000 (News) GRAHAM GREEN and MICHAEL CLOWER
ALLEGED, a truly great racehorse and subsequently a top stallion and broodmare sire, has died.
The dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, regarded by trainer Vincent O'Brien, jockey Lester Piggott and owner Robert Sangster as among the best with whom they were associated, was put down because of old age on Friday at Walmac International in Lexington, Kentucky. He was 26.
O'Brien, whose Ballydoyle stable had an embarrassment of riches even by its own standards during Alleged's three-year-old season in 1977, said yesterday: "Alleged was one of the best horses I ever trained. Alleged's two wins in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe were a great triumph for the horse and were among the highlights of my career. I was very pleased to see him prove a successful stallion."
Piggott agreed, declaring: "He was one of the best horses I ever rode. Having won the Arc twice makes him one of the greats of the post-war era. He took a while to come to himself-he didn't run until the backend at two-but he was terrific and won both his Arcs easily.
"It was just unfortunate that he couldn't run all through the summer of his four-year-old season because of the firm ground, because he would probably have won everything.
"He was a wonderful horse to ride-you could do anything with him in a race and he had a lovely, relaxed attitude," Piggott added.
Sangster yesterday rated Alleged behind only the 1984 2,000 Guineas and Irish Derby winner El Gran Senor in his personal pantheon of horses he has owned. Sangster recalled buying Alleged as a two-year-old from Monty Roberts, who has since gained fame for his technique for dealing with troublesome horses but was then better known as a pinhooker.
Sangster added: "He originally went back to his farm to be trained in California, but when I went to look at him I didn't think his forelegs would take American racing.
"So I said to the other partners, Bob Fluor and Shirley Taylor, would they mind if I sent the horse to Vincent O'Brien-and they agreed.
"Alleged didn't win a Classic but winning two Arcs showed what a great horse he was, and after that second victory it was decided that was the right time to retire him from racing." Sangster continued: "His forelegs were always the slight worry about him and he didn't like firm ground, but once he matured and conditions were right, he was a really formidable racehorse and a true champion. At stud he never got anything remotely as good as him, but he was a good broodmare sire."
Alleged won nine of his 10 starts, including Arc victories in 1977 and 1978. His only defeat came in the 1977 St Leger, in which he was second after being outstayed by the Queen's Oaks winner Dunfermline.
At the time of his death, Alleged had sired the earners of more than $38 million (about pounds 25.3 million).
They included the 1986 1,000 Guineas and Oaks winner Midway Lady, 1997 St Leger winner Shantou, and Irish Classic winners Law Society, Sir Harry Lewis and Strategic Choice.
Alleged was retired from stud duties in 1997. He has been buried at Walmac, whose owner John TL Jones told the Blood-Horse: "In every way, Alleged was a champion. Few stallions come along that prove to be great sires and broodmare sires, and continue to influence the breed for decades after their lifetime.
"It appears Alleged is one of those stalwarts of the turf. He will be truly missed."
A level bay colt of length and strength,Alleged was by Ribot’s grandson Hoist The Flag out of Princess Pout. Events in his early life made it unlikely that he would ever leave America, as he was purchased for $34,000. at Keeneland yearling sales and put into training.In March 1976 he was purchased by Robert Sangster at the Hollywood Park sale.
Vincent O’Brien was handled the responsibility of schooling him. Alleged made his debut late in his two year old career at Curragh in November 1976. He won most convincingly by eight lengths. The following season he made a winning start at Leapordstown in April. Alleged went on to win his next two races. However the opposition was not formidable. Alleged revealed his true ability only in late spring.
In the Royal Whip Stakes at Curragh.Ridden by Paedar Matthews Alleged started at odds of 33-1.His stable mate Valinsky,partnered by Lester Piggott was much preferred in the market at 5-4. Alleged simply fooled the racing public by romping home by one and a half lengths..Lester would never now miss the ride on him.
A fortnight later Alleged simply trounced the opposition in the Great Voltigeur Stakes.He won by 7 lengths against opposition of the highest class. The field included Hot Grove, who ran second to the Minstrel by a neck in the Epsom Derby. Classic Example and Lucky Sovereign, placed horse in the Irish Derby also participated.It was a start to finish victory.
Alleged started as a red hot favourite in the St. Leger. On entering the straight Alleged looked a certain winner until 2 furlongs from home. However at this point Alleged weakened and Dunfermline, the Oaks winner passed him in the final furlong and a half to win by a length and a half. The cheers erupted for the Queen who owned Dunfermline.The owner in whose colours the colt ran, Bob Fluor sold his 1/5th share in disappointment.
However a fortnight later in the Prixde l ‘Arc de Triomphe Alleged avenged his defeat in magnificient style, in a slowly–run race. After 2 furlongs he snatched the lead to dictate the pace.On entering the straight he simply sprinted to victory. The ace New Zealand horse Balmerino was beaten by a length and a half.Dunfermline,the St. Leger winner finished 4th.
Alleged, Lester says was one of the easiest horses to ride. He would always do what was asked.Many jockeys don’t like to lead and many trainers and owners don’t like to see their horses in front early on, but with the right mount, it’s the way to stage manage the whole play.
As a 4 year old Alleged made a winning debut at Curragh in May. The firm ground he had to encounter at Curragh almost put an end to his career. Alleged had jarred himself to a considerable level.He succumbed to virus and could be brought back into racing only in Autumn.Despite setback Alleged made a brilliant comeback in the Prix du Prince D’Orange. He broke the course and distance record. A fortnight later Alleged was to run in the Prix de l ‘Arc de Triomphe.Lester felt the ground was too soft for Alleged, because the colt liked good ground to be at it’s best.
For the 2nd year running the race was slowly run.Alleged didn’t need to lead as another horse was prepared to and he was nicely tucked behind in third place.With 2 furlongs to go Lester urged him and Alleged simply flew to the front.In that same time Freddie Head astride Dancing Maid, the Champion French filly ,urged his mount. However he just couldn’t get near Alleged and eventually was so exhausted that Trillion overtook her for second place.Alleged now secured for himself a permanent place amongst the all-time great racehorses. Having been a victim of virus for a great part of the season it was truly a remarkable feat.It was the ultimate in the training achievements of Vincent O’Brien.
Alleged was retired to Walmac-Warnerton Association farm in Lexington. He died recently.It was a great loss to the racing world. Lester rated him amongst the top three horses he rode.
HARSH THAKOR - with reference to ‘World’s Great Racehorses’
