James Delahooke, a brilliant horseman who played a key role in founding the late Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte empire, died of a heart attack on Wednesday morning while hunting partridges in Yorkshire with friends , according to his brother Matthew Delahooke. He was 77 years old.
A large portion of the greatest horses bred and raced by Juddmonte from the late 1980s onwards were the offspring of mares or mares purchased by Delahooke on behalf of the Prince. The Juddmonte families gave birth to Frankel (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Zafonic (Gone West), Workforce (GB) (King’s Best), Warning (GB) (Known Truth) and Broodmare Hasili… dialogues ( Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) all follow the tracks of mares chosen by Delahooke; while items purchased by him for the Prince include Rainbow Quest (Blushing Groom {Fr}) and Dancing Brave (Lyphard), G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winners in 1985 and ’86 respectively. .
Another aspirational sale that plays an important role in Juddmonte’s success story is Razyana (His Majesty), who was crossed by the Prince with Danehill (Danzig); while the two Derby winners were raised at the Prince’s first home, Quest For Fame (GB) (Rainbow Quest) and Commander In Chief (GB) (Dancing Brave), notable for being acquired by both Delahooke their two parents.
Delahooke wasn’t on the Juddmonte team at the outset in 1978 but he was recruited soon after by Prince Humphrey Cottrill’s original manager and soon both bought the breeding stock and breeding prospects. and managed the original Juddmonte Ranch at Wargave. In these roles, he did more than anyone else to plant fairy peaches from which mighty Juddmonte oaks grew. He was obviously working on a large budget, but his genius was even better illustrated by the much cheaper horses he purchased on behalf of the stables’ patrons. his friend’s Coombelands horse Guy Harwood (the coach of many Juddmonte champions including Dancing Brave, of course). Topping the list are G1 Derby 1979 place winner Ela-Mana-Mou (Ire) (Pitcairn {Ire}) and G1 2,000 Guineas winner 1981 To-Agori-Mou (Ire) (Tudor Music {GB) }) as well as the 1982 G1 Eclipse S. winner and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. Kalaglow (Ire) (Kalamoun {Ire}) winner, the 1980 G1 Grand Criterium winner Recitation (The Analyst) ), winner of the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois in 1984 Lear Fan (Roberto) and the Young Generation (Ire) of the G1 2,000 Guineas in 1979 (Balidar {GB}). He picked 4,500 guineas, 20,000 guineas, 11,500 guineas, $35,000, 64,000 guineas and 9,000 guineas respectively.
While Juddmonte ranks as the most obvious beneficiary of Delahooke’s wisdom and judgment, several other great breeders have also been recipients of his invaluable assistance.
In particular, the late Gerald Leigh has been credited with saying, “James Delahooke had a flair for the art and knowledge. He is an excellent judge of a horse. He helped lay the groundwork for my sire during my early years as a breeder.”
Delahooke also played a large part in the success that the late William Barnett, standing High Line (GB) (High Hat {GB}) for him at his Adstock Manor Stud, a stallion with only 14 mares in his first year before going on to become one of the most successful males in Europe, most notably picking four winners in one afternoon at the Ebor Meeting in York in 1981, a a four-man timer consisting of two Group 1 winners led by Master Willie (GB) of the Barnetts, was successful that afternoon at the G1 Benson & Hedges Gold Cup (now Juddmonte International S). Adstock Manor was Delahooke’s home for 25 years before he moved to Yorkshire in 1992, and during his time there he owned and trained 1987 Aintree Foxhunters winner Border Burg (GB) (Maybeburg {GB} ).
James Delahooke has played a less notable role in the world of gore in recent years but continues to mentor a select group of clients including Bobby Flay, who has given him a well-deserved tribute. worth.
“James’ influence on the breed has made a permanent and indelible mark on some of the most important pedigrees in the Western Hemisphere. Over the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to use his knowledge and keen eye to identify my most important blood source. I will miss his insight, love of good food and wine, and his steadfast teachings. Though James has left us abruptly, his influence will be felt for decades at the highest end of the book. I, for one, will do my best to honor his continued impact. “
A born and raised countryman who outscored more than 50 winners in the scoring game or by National Hunt rules in his youth, James Delahooke passed away in the Yorkshire moors on Wednesday and we My condolences to the family and friends of a legend of the bloodthirsty world who was once described by the late Lord Oaksey as “arguably the best judge of the aspirants in the world.” .
His brother Matthew said: “I have been fortunate to work for him for several years. He is my mentor, a great brother. We had some good times in the sale. He is very respected and loved and a good man.”
He is survived by his wife, Angie; his brothers, Matthew and Tom; four children, Amber, Rorie, Holly, and Eve, and nine grandchildren.
Arrangements are yet to be made, but they will be shared as soon as they are available.
