Jackaroo stallion who was full brother to High Kingdom died age 16

The sport horse stallion Jackaroo, pictured, has died aged 16 — (Image credit: credit unknown)

Tributes have been paid to the much-loved sports horse stallion Jackaroo, who was put down on 28 June aged 16.

“So very sad to report that today we said goodbye to Jackaroo,” said William Micklem. “A deteriorating situation with a damaged foreleg gave us no other option.”

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Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.

‘How lucky I am to have had him in my life’: top sports stallion dies aged 16

Jackaroo was by Master Imp and out of the point-to-point-winning mare High Dolly, who was by Chair Lift.

William said Jackaroo was “always pleased to see you”.

“To say he was loved would be an understatement. Like his Chair Lift dam, High Dolly, and his Olympic full brothers, Mandiba and High Kingdom, he combined an extraordinary gentleness with both joie de vivre and courage,” he said.

“He was just two days old when vet Cormac Hassett MRCVS carried him away from his dead mother, but he survived to become a favourite with all he came into contact with.

“He lived a 15-year life of freedom in a 25-acre section of glorious Wicklow, but special thanks to Gina McCann for her gentle care during his working holidays at Hartwell Stud.”

William said Jackaroo leaves “several high-class performers”, including five of his offspring who have achieved top-10 eventing finishes and working hunter championships in the last fortnight.

“I have two performance-proved broodmares out of his gorgeous full sister Nuff Kisses, both by Puissance, who I know will add significantly to the family story,” said William.

“How lucky I am to have these extraordinary genes and to have had Jackaroo in my life.”

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