Popular sprinter Gordon Lord Byron has died at the age of 12.
The Tom Hogan-trained veteran of 108 races was being prepared for his seasonal bow when he passed away during exercise.
Between 2012 and 2014, he won three Group One contests in three different countries- the Prix de la Foret in France, Haydock's Sprint Cup in Britain and Australia's George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.
The globetrotter even ran in the Czech Republic in 2018, but luck was not on his side, as local runners fared best in the Group Three contest.
Versatile with regards to the trips he raced over, Gordon Lord Byron's finest achievements came at six and seven furlongs, but he did manage to get his head in front once over a mile at Group level.
Over the years he gained many fans and despite his advancing years, still retained a rating in excess of 100 on the Flat.
Remarkably, Gordon Lord Byron cost connections under £2,000 as a foal and didn't attract a bid in the sales ring, but won nearly £2 million.
His achievements were extraordinary as he had to be nursed back to health from a fractured pelvis he suffered on racecourse debut, ten years ago.
Last September, he finished fifth in a race named after him at Haydock- the Gordon Lord Byron EBF Conditions Stakes.
He ran at Royal Ascot on four occasions- and his final outing came at Dundalk in December.
Owned by Morgan Cahalan, the most successful son of stallion Byron was entered in Saturday's Group Three Coolmore Calyx Gladness Stakes at the Curragh.
Rider Billy Lee, who teamed up with him on 20 occasions, tweeted: "Was a privilege to ride and win on this legend and character Gordon Lord Byron.
"Thoughts with Jessica, Morgan and Tom. He was one of the family. #thankyougordon."
