High Chaparral: Epsom Derby winner dies aged 15 after surgery

High Chaparral, winner of the 2002 Derby at Epsom and trained by Aidan O'Brien, has died aged 15 in Ireland.

The horse was euthanised after complications following colic surgery.

High Chaparral went on to win the Irish Derby ridden by Mick Kinane after his Epsom triumph with Johnny Murtagh.

He was also third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and began a breeding career for the Tipperary-based Coolmore Stud after his retirement from racing.

A statement from Coolmore said: "High Chaparral has been euthanised at Fethard Equine Hospital during exploratory colic surgery."

High Chaparral's racing career included two victories at Breeders' Cup meetings in the United States, plus an Irish Champion Stakes triumph.

As a stallion, High Chapparal was the sire of So You Think, who won the Cox Plate in Australia

"It's sad news. He was a very tough, genuine horse and very talented," said regular jockey Kinane.

"He won two Breeders' Cups, the English and Irish Derby. He was an exceptionally good racehorse."