Lammtarra (USA)
February 2, 1992 – July 6, 2014
Nijinsky II (CAN) x Snow Bride (USA), by Blushing Groom (FR)
Family 22-b
February 2, 1992 – July 6, 2014
Nijinsky II (CAN) x Snow Bride (USA), by Blushing Groom (FR)
Family 22-b
Lammtarra was the best 12-furlong horse racing in Europe in 1995, had an unbeaten race record, and came from an excellent family. Nevertheless, small size, suspicions about soundness, and the perception that Nijinsky II was not a “sire of sires” all hurt him as a stallion prospect. Sold to Japanese interests after one season at stud in England, he proved the doubters right as he failed badly at stud.
Race record
4 starts, 4 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds, US$2,078,797 (includes converted English and French earnings)
1994:
1995:
Honors
Cartier Award, European champion 3-year-old male (1995)
Assessments
Earned Timeform ratings of 93 pounds at 2 and 134 pounds at 3.
As an individual
A small, symmetrical, attractive chestnut horse, Lammtarra was neatly made and elegant in make but had a parrot mouth. He had a good turn of foot. His action was fluid but was rounded rather than extended. As a racehorse, his temperament was excellent and he could be counted on to give his best when racing, but he was said to have been more difficult and aggressive while standing as a stallion in Japan and according to the Independent was becoming more difficult to handle even before the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This temperament was not in evidence after he returned to Dalham Hall, where he was considered “a perfect gentleman” according to stud director Liam O’Rourke—perhaps due to a combination of familiar surroundings, increasing age, and no longer being used for breeding. He was said to have been extremely intelligent.
As a stallion
According to records compiled by the Jockey Club, Lammtarra sired 320 winners (53.6%) and six stakes winners (1.0%) from 597 named foals of racing age. None of his runners showed anything close to his own ability.
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Lammtarra was bred by Sheikh Maktoum’s Gainsborough Farm. He raced in the colors of Sheikh Maktoum’s son Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum, who had also campaigned his dam during her 3-year-old season. He was trained by Alex Scott at 2 and by Saeed bin Suroor at 3. He was ridden to his Derby victory by Walter Swinburn. After standing one season at Dalham Hall Stud near Newmarket, England, Lammtarra was exported to Japan at a price of US$30 million and stood at Arrow Stud for the rest of his stud career. In August 2006, when Arrow Stud was reportedly considering selling Lammtarra to Korean interests, the horse was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum’s uncle) and returned to England to be pensioned at Dalham Hall. He was euthanized in July 2014 after a short illness.
Pedigree notes
Lammtarra is inbred 2x4 to the breed-shaping sire Northern Dancer, the 1964 Canadian Horse of the Year and American champion 3-year-old male. He is also inbred 4x5 to Northern Dancer’s paternal grandsire, Nearco (an unbeaten champion who led the English/Irish general sire list twice), and 4x5 to 1937 American champion 2-year-old male Menow. Lammtarra a half brother to 1998 Prix d’Aumale (FR-G3) winner Saytarra (by Seeking the Gold) and multiple listed stakes winner Kammtarra (by Zilzal). He is also a half brother to Abisheka (by Sadler’s Wells), dam of 2012 Prix Jean Prat (FR-G1) winner Aesop’s Fables (by Distorted Humor) and to Concordia (by Pivotal), dam of 2017 Sydney Cup (AUS-G1) winner Polarisation (by Echo of Light) and Group 2-placed listed stakes winner Clearly (by Invincible Spirit). In addition, Lammtarra is a half brother to Snow Ballerina (by Sadler’s Wells), the dam of 2016 Prix Fille de l’Air (FR-G3) winner Powder Snow (by Dubawi) and the second dam of Grade/Group 3 winners Beautiful Love and Flying Honours.
Lammtarra was produced from 1989 Gold Seal Oaks (ENG-G1) winner Snow Bride, whose half brother Jarraar (by Mr. Prospector) won the 1992 New Orleans Handicap (USA-G3) and was a successful but short-lived stallion in Brazil. Snow Bride is also a half sister to 2002 Saranac Handicap (USA-G3) winner Ibh Al Haitham (by Zafonic).
Snow Bride and her siblings were produced from 1982 English champion 3-year-old filly and 1983 Italian champion older female Awaasif (by Snow Knight), a half sister to 1981 Fountain of Youth Stakes (USA-G3) winner Akureyri (by Buckpasser) and to 1984 Premio Bagutta (ITY-G3) winner Royal Lorna (by Val de l’Orne), dam of 2000 Prix du Lys (FR-G3) winner Lycitus (by Lycius) and Australian listed stakes winner Forlorna (by Nashwan) and second dam of 2002 Premio Roma (ITY-G1) winner Sunstrach and English Group 3 winner Music Box. Produced from the Northern Dancer mare Royal Statute, Awaasif is also a half sister to Group 1-placed Konafa (by Damascus), dam of 1994 Premio Umbria (ITY-G2) winner Proskona (by Mr. Prospector), 1999 Jacobs Goldene Peitsche (GER-G2) winner Keos (by Riverman), 1985 Prix Chloe (FR-G3) winner Korveya (by Riverman), and stakes winner Carnet Solaire (by Sharpen Up); second dam of 1986 One Thousand Guineas winner and European champion 3-year-old filly Bosra Sham (by Woodman), 1990 French champion 2-year-old male and 1991 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas, FR-G1) winner Hector Protector (by Woodman), 1992 Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner Shanghai (by Procida), 2003 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (USA-G1) winner Passineti, and Grade/Group 2 winners Calista and Gaudeamus; and third dam of three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty, champions California Memory and Rituss, and Grade/Group 1 winners Ciro, Internallyflawless, and Red Giant.
As if that were not enough, Awaasif is a half sister to Baederwood (by Tentam), a useful regional sire in the Mid-Atlantic region and to Royal Stance (by Dr. Fager), dam of multiple Group 3 winner Majuscule (by Majestic Light), 1987 Falls City Handicap (USA-G3) winner Royal Cielo (by Conquistador Cielo), and multiple listed stakes winner Luhuk (by Forty Niner; an important sire in Argentina). Finally, Awaasif is a half sister to Victoress (by Conquistador Cielo), second dam of 2011 Derby Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Pour Moi and Group 3 winners Dawn Patrol and Gagnoa.
Books and media
Footage of Lammtarra’s win in the 1995 Derby Stakes can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDYx7dw-Zfs.
Fun facts
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Race record
4 starts, 4 wins, 0 seconds, 0 thirds, US$2,078,797 (includes converted English and French earnings)
1994:
- Won Artiso Washington Singer Stakes (ENG-L, 7FT, Newbury)
1995:
- Won Vodafone Derby Stakes (ENG-G1, 12F+10yT, Epsom)
- Won King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. (ENG-G1, 12FT, Ascot)
- Won Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (FR-G1, 2400mT, Longchamp)
Honors
Cartier Award, European champion 3-year-old male (1995)
Assessments
Earned Timeform ratings of 93 pounds at 2 and 134 pounds at 3.
As an individual
A small, symmetrical, attractive chestnut horse, Lammtarra was neatly made and elegant in make but had a parrot mouth. He had a good turn of foot. His action was fluid but was rounded rather than extended. As a racehorse, his temperament was excellent and he could be counted on to give his best when racing, but he was said to have been more difficult and aggressive while standing as a stallion in Japan and according to the Independent was becoming more difficult to handle even before the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. This temperament was not in evidence after he returned to Dalham Hall, where he was considered “a perfect gentleman” according to stud director Liam O’Rourke—perhaps due to a combination of familiar surroundings, increasing age, and no longer being used for breeding. He was said to have been extremely intelligent.
As a stallion
According to records compiled by the Jockey Club, Lammtarra sired 320 winners (53.6%) and six stakes winners (1.0%) from 597 named foals of racing age. None of his runners showed anything close to his own ability.
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Lammtarra was bred by Sheikh Maktoum’s Gainsborough Farm. He raced in the colors of Sheikh Maktoum’s son Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum, who had also campaigned his dam during her 3-year-old season. He was trained by Alex Scott at 2 and by Saeed bin Suroor at 3. He was ridden to his Derby victory by Walter Swinburn. After standing one season at Dalham Hall Stud near Newmarket, England, Lammtarra was exported to Japan at a price of US$30 million and stood at Arrow Stud for the rest of his stud career. In August 2006, when Arrow Stud was reportedly considering selling Lammtarra to Korean interests, the horse was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum’s uncle) and returned to England to be pensioned at Dalham Hall. He was euthanized in July 2014 after a short illness.
Pedigree notes
Lammtarra is inbred 2x4 to the breed-shaping sire Northern Dancer, the 1964 Canadian Horse of the Year and American champion 3-year-old male. He is also inbred 4x5 to Northern Dancer’s paternal grandsire, Nearco (an unbeaten champion who led the English/Irish general sire list twice), and 4x5 to 1937 American champion 2-year-old male Menow. Lammtarra a half brother to 1998 Prix d’Aumale (FR-G3) winner Saytarra (by Seeking the Gold) and multiple listed stakes winner Kammtarra (by Zilzal). He is also a half brother to Abisheka (by Sadler’s Wells), dam of 2012 Prix Jean Prat (FR-G1) winner Aesop’s Fables (by Distorted Humor) and to Concordia (by Pivotal), dam of 2017 Sydney Cup (AUS-G1) winner Polarisation (by Echo of Light) and Group 2-placed listed stakes winner Clearly (by Invincible Spirit). In addition, Lammtarra is a half brother to Snow Ballerina (by Sadler’s Wells), the dam of 2016 Prix Fille de l’Air (FR-G3) winner Powder Snow (by Dubawi) and the second dam of Grade/Group 3 winners Beautiful Love and Flying Honours.
Lammtarra was produced from 1989 Gold Seal Oaks (ENG-G1) winner Snow Bride, whose half brother Jarraar (by Mr. Prospector) won the 1992 New Orleans Handicap (USA-G3) and was a successful but short-lived stallion in Brazil. Snow Bride is also a half sister to 2002 Saranac Handicap (USA-G3) winner Ibh Al Haitham (by Zafonic).
Snow Bride and her siblings were produced from 1982 English champion 3-year-old filly and 1983 Italian champion older female Awaasif (by Snow Knight), a half sister to 1981 Fountain of Youth Stakes (USA-G3) winner Akureyri (by Buckpasser) and to 1984 Premio Bagutta (ITY-G3) winner Royal Lorna (by Val de l’Orne), dam of 2000 Prix du Lys (FR-G3) winner Lycitus (by Lycius) and Australian listed stakes winner Forlorna (by Nashwan) and second dam of 2002 Premio Roma (ITY-G1) winner Sunstrach and English Group 3 winner Music Box. Produced from the Northern Dancer mare Royal Statute, Awaasif is also a half sister to Group 1-placed Konafa (by Damascus), dam of 1994 Premio Umbria (ITY-G2) winner Proskona (by Mr. Prospector), 1999 Jacobs Goldene Peitsche (GER-G2) winner Keos (by Riverman), 1985 Prix Chloe (FR-G3) winner Korveya (by Riverman), and stakes winner Carnet Solaire (by Sharpen Up); second dam of 1986 One Thousand Guineas winner and European champion 3-year-old filly Bosra Sham (by Woodman), 1990 French champion 2-year-old male and 1991 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas, FR-G1) winner Hector Protector (by Woodman), 1992 Poule d’Essai des Poulains winner Shanghai (by Procida), 2003 San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (USA-G1) winner Passineti, and Grade/Group 2 winners Calista and Gaudeamus; and third dam of three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty, champions California Memory and Rituss, and Grade/Group 1 winners Ciro, Internallyflawless, and Red Giant.
As if that were not enough, Awaasif is a half sister to Baederwood (by Tentam), a useful regional sire in the Mid-Atlantic region and to Royal Stance (by Dr. Fager), dam of multiple Group 3 winner Majuscule (by Majestic Light), 1987 Falls City Handicap (USA-G3) winner Royal Cielo (by Conquistador Cielo), and multiple listed stakes winner Luhuk (by Forty Niner; an important sire in Argentina). Finally, Awaasif is a half sister to Victoress (by Conquistador Cielo), second dam of 2011 Derby Stakes (ENG-G1) winner Pour Moi and Group 3 winners Dawn Patrol and Gagnoa.
Books and media
Footage of Lammtarra’s win in the 1995 Derby Stakes can be accessed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDYx7dw-Zfs.
Fun facts
- Lammtarra was the first Derby Stakes winner to be sired by a Derby Stakes winner out of an Oaks Stakes winner.
- Lammtarra was the horse to win the Derby Stakes without a prep race at 3 since Grand Parade in 1919. He had not raced following his maiden victory due to serious illness which delayed his preparation.
- Lammtarra’s winning time of 2:32.31 for the Derby Stakes broke the course record of 2:33.80 set by Mahmoud in 1936.
- Lammtarra became the second horse to sweep the Derby Stakes, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Prix de l’ Arc de Triomphe in the same year. The first to do so was the great champion Mill Reef, England’s Horse of the Year in 1971.
- Lammtarra was known as “The Lion” for his grit and determination as a racehorse.
- Lammtarra was originally started in his training by Alex Scott, who in September 1994 was murdered by a disgruntled employee following Lammtarra’s lone race as a 2-year-old. Scott had thought so highly of Lammtarra that he laid a £1,000 bet on the colt through Ladbroke’s to win the Derby Stakes before Lammtarra had ever set foot on a race course. Although bookmakers ordinarily cancel bets should a bettor die before the event, Ladbroke’s honored Scott’s bet and paid off to Scott’s widow.
- Lammtarra’s total time on the racecourse came to 9 minutes and 5.38 seconds.
- In Arabic, lammtarra means “invisible.”
Last updated: May 2, 2026