Brilliant sprinter Lochsong, dual winner of the Prix de l'Abbaye and the 1993 European Horse of the Year, has died at the age of 26.

Trained by Ian Balding, the Jeff Smith-owned filly graduated from winning handicaps to ruling at the top level in the Longchamp showpiece (1993 and 1994) partnered by a young Frankie Dettori.

"Sadly she got colic," stud manager David Bowe said.

"She had been absolutely fine, the same old character. She was great to have about the place and she was a fantastic racemare.

"She was conceived here, foaled here and lived out her life here. She was part of the fabric and when her racing days were over she returned as one of the foundation mares of Littleton Stud.

"She was a great personality and leaves a big hole, but hopefully we will have some of her progeny back here.

"Her last foal, Swan Song, is in training with Andrew Balding and we look forward to seeing him here one day."