Racing: Top-class sprinter Lochsong dies aged 26

Horses ride out at sunrise at Belmont racecourse in New York. Picture: Getty

Trained by Ian Balding and enjoying her biggest moments when ridden by Frankie Dettori, the Jeff Smith-owned filly graduated from winning big handicaps such as the Ayr Gold Cup in the hands of the 7lb-claiming Franny Arrowsmith to ruling at the top level in the Longchamp showpiece (1993 and 1994) and the Nunthorpe at York, also in 1993.

Her win at Ayr made history as she became the first horse to complete the treble of the Portland at Doncaster, the Stewards’ Cup at Goodwood and then the prestigious Scottish prize.

Lochsong spent her retirement at the familiar surroundings of Smith’s Littleton Stud in Hampshire.

Stud manager David Bowe said: “Sadly she got a colic this morning. She had been absolutely fine, the same old character. She was great to have about the place and she was a fantastic racemare. She was conceived here, foaled here and lived out her life here – she was part of the fabric and when her racing days were over she returned as one of the foundation mares of Littleton Stud.”

Alan Berry is aiming to add to his impressive 2014 strike-rate at Hamilton Park today.

The Cockerham trainer has saddled three winners from just six runners at the Lanarkshire track’s two meetings this term and they have returned £52 in proﬁt to a £1 level stake.

Course specialist Economic Crisis spearheads Berry’s latest raiding party as she bids for her sixth Hamilton win in the Dukes Bridge Handicap (qualiﬁer for the £15,000 Betfair Scottish Sprint Series final).

Economic Crisis faces 13 rivals including Linda Perratt’s Bunce, a course and distance winner last September and a close second to Berry’s mare earlier this month.

The Lancashire trainer’s other runner is Raise A Billion, who receives weight from his nine opponents in the Avon Gorge Handicap.