The famous showjumping stallion, Cobra18, the talented son of Cornet Obolensky and sire of the outstanding grey Dublin, tragically died earlier this month following a bout of colic.

He died in his own stable at Drumhowan Stud, in Co Monaghan, Ireland, after receiving the best of veterinary care, but unfortunately could not be saved.

Born in 2003 at the world famous Ligges Stud, in Germany, Cobra 18 covered just a handful of mares as a four-year-old, before embarking on his own showjumping career. This 172cm bay Westphalian stallion reached international 150 level before a career ending injury in 2014 forced his retirement to stud. Consequently, his career as a breeding stallion was in its infancy and his death was seen as a real loss to sport horse breeding.

While the vast majority of his progeny are still under four years of age, one of his first sons, Dublin (now 12 years old) has already reached the top in the sport of showjumping.

Cobra18 was said to have had a wonderful kind nature and since his move to stand in Ireland in 2015, proved an extremely popular choice with both Irish and UK breeders.

His popularity in recent years will ensure that his outstanding genetics will live on through his hundreds of youngstock and remaining frozen semen.