Just two days out from the race that was his defining performance on the racetrack, Darley has announced that Lonhro has been retired from stallion duty.

Vin Cox, managing director for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Australian operation, announced it late on Thursday afternoon.

“It is with great appreciation I announce that the decision to retire Lonhro from covering duties has been confirmed,” Cox said.

“Most importantly, Lonhro retires from the Darley roster sound, happy, healthy and will remain in residence at Kelvinside.

“The stallion team, led by Barley Ward-Thomas and Yev Kovalov, plus Lonhro’s long-time mate Deen Griesheimer and all other handlers who have contributed within our stallion barn have done a wonderful job caring for this Australian icon for over a decade, and who will continue to do so.”

A son of champion racehorse Octagonal (Zabeel), Lonhro was as superstar on the track, winning 26 of 35 starts including the Caulfield Guineas (1600m), a couple of Caulfield Stakes (2000m), two George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and a Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m).

But his most famous win came in the 2004 Australian Cup (2000m) when he famously recovered after being checked for a run midway down the home straight before winning in the final stride.

Lonhro, who turned 24 in December, retired to what was then Woodlands Stud amid much fanfare and has been one of the country’s leading stallions from the time his progeny hit the track.

Among his top performers are Sydney 2YO Triple Crown winner Pierro, Kementari, Golden Rose winners Exosphere and Denman, Blue Diamond heroine Lyre, dual Group 1 winner Impending, Beaded, Mental and VRC Oaks winner Aristia.

His longevity as a stallion was emphasised when Lindermann became his most recent Group 1 winner after upstaging Pericles in the Rosehill Guineas.

Lonhro’s crowning glory as a stallion came in 2011 when he won the Australian Champion Sire award.