Alleged

A level bay colt of length and strength, Alleged was by Ribot's grandson, Hoist The Flag out of Princess Pout.

Events in his early life made it unlikely that he would ever leave America, as he was purchased for Usd 34,000, at Keeneland Yearling Sales and put into training. In March 1976, he was purchased by Robert Sangster at the Hollywood Park Sale.

Vincent O'Brien was handled the responsibility of schooling him. Alleged made his debut late in his two year-olds career at Curragh in November 1976. He won most convincingly by eight lengths.

The following season, he made a winning start at Leapordstown in April. Alleged went on to win his next two races. However, the opposition was not formidable, Alleged revealed his true ability only in late spring.

In the Royal Whip Stakes at Curragh, ridden by Paedar Matthews, Alleged started at odds of 33-1. His stable mate Valinsky, partnered by Lester Piggott was much preferred in the market at 5-4. Alleged simply fooled the racing public by romping home 1 1/2 lengths. Lester would never now miss the ride on him.

A fortnight later, Alleged simply trounced the opposition in the Great Voltigeur Stakes. He won by 7 lengths against opposition of the highest class. The field included Hot Grove, who ran second to the Minstrel by a neck in the Epsom Derby, Classic Example and Lucky Sovereign, placed horse in the Irish Derby also participated. It was a start to finish victory.

Alleged started as a red hot favourite in the St.Leger. On entering the straight, Alleged looked a certain winner until two furlongs from home. However at this point, Alleged weakened and Dunfermline, the Oaks winner, passed him in the final furlong and a half to win by a 1 1/2 lengths. The cheers erupted for the Queen who owned Dunfermline. The owner in whose colours the colt ran, Bob Fluor sold his 1/5th share in disappointment.

However a fortnight later, in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Alleged avenged his defeat in magnificient style, in a slow 睦un race. After two furlongs, he snatched the lead to dictate the pace. On entering the straight, he simply sprinted to victory. The ace New Zealand horse, Balmerino, was beaten by 1 1/2 lengths. Dunfermline, the St. Leger winner, finished 4th.

Lester says about Alleged that he was one of the easiest horses to ride. He would always do what was asked. Many jockeys don't like to lead and many trainers and owners don't like to see their horses in front early on, but with the right mount, it's the way to stage manage the whole play.

As a 4 year-olds, Alleged made a winning debut at Curragh in May. The firm ground he had to encounter at Curragh almost put an end to his career. Alleged had jarred himself to a considerable level. He succumbed to virus and could be brought back into racing only in Autumn.

Despite setback, Alleged made a brilliant comeback in the Prix du Prince d'Orange. He broke the course and distance record.

A fortnight later, Alleged was to run in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Lester felt the ground was too soft for Alleged, because the colt liked good ground to be at it's best.

For the second year running the race was slowly run. Alleged didn't need to lead as another horse was prepared to and he was nicely tucked behind in third place. With 2 furlongs to go, Lester urged him and Alleged simply flew to the front. In that same time, Freddie Head astride Dancing Maid, the Champion French filly, urged his mount, however he just couldn't get near Alleged and eventually was so exhausted that Trillion overtook her for second place.

Alleged now secured for himself a permanent place amongst the all-time great racehorses. Having been a victim of virus for a great part of the season, it was truly a remarkable feat.It was the ultimate in the training achievements of Vincent O達rien.

Alleged was retired to Walmac-Warnerton Association farm in Lexington. He died recently. Alleged produced in the stud to Miss Alleged (Breeders' Cup Turf, Hollywood Turf Cup, and Champion Older Mare in Europe and Champion Turf Mare in NZ), Law Society (Irish Derby, National Stakes, Anglesey Stakes), Strategic Choice (Irish St.Leger, Gran Premio di Milano, Grand Prix de Deauville and Champion Older Horse in UK), Shantou (English St.Leger, Gran Premio du Jockey Club, Gran Premio di Milano and European Champion 3yo Stayer), Legal Case (Dubai Champion Stakes, Premio Roma and Champion Older Stayer in Europe), Sir Harry Lewis (Irish Derby and Champion 3yo in Ireland), Silvernesian (Premio Jockey Club e Coppa d'Oro and Champion 3yo in Italy), Jurado (Premio Vittorio di Capua, Premio Emilio Turiatti and Champion Miler in Italy), Muhtarram (Premio Presidente della Repubblica, two victories in the Prince of Wales's Stakes, and Champion Older Stayer in Italy) y Molesnes (Prix du Cadran and Prix Kergorlay).

He was broodmare sire of 85 stakes winners including Suave Dancer (Prix du Jockey Club, Irish Champion Stakes and Prix de l'Arc of Triomphe), Dr.Devious (Epsom Derby), Dream Well (Irish Derby, Prix du Jockey Club), etc...

It was a great loss to the racing world.Lester rated him amongst the top horses he rode.

Alleged 1974	Hoist the Flag	Tom Rolfe	Ribot
			Pocahontas
		Wavy Navy	War Admiral
			Triomphe
	Princess Pout	Prince John	Princequillo
			Not Afraid
		Determined Lady	Determine
			Tumbling