Darlan (horse)

Darlan
Sire	Milan
Grandsire	Sadler's Wells
Dam	Darbela
Damsire	Doyoun
Sex	Gelding
Foaled	11 March 2007
Country	United Kingdom
Colour	Bay
Breeder	Martin Kilroe
Owner	Paul Murphy J. P. McManus
Trainer	Nicky Henderson
Record	9:6-1-0
Earnings	£114,669
Major wins
Top Novices' Hurdle (2012) Christmas Hurdle (2012)

Darlan (11 March 2007 – 4 February 2013) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse who competed in National Hunt racing. In a nine-race career that lasted from April 2011 until February 2013, he won six times, finished second once and fell twice. After winning his only National Hunt Flat race, he was one of the leading novice hurdlers of the 2011/2012 season, winning four races including the Top Novices' Hurdle. In the following year, he established himself as a leading contender for the Champion Hurdle by winning the Christmas Hurdle, but was killed in a fall in his next race.

Darlan was a bay gelding with a white star bred by Martin Kilroe. He was one of the best horses sired by Milan, who won the St Leger Stakes and finished second in the Breeders' Cup Turf in 2001. His other progeny include Jezki, and One For Arthur. Darlan's dam Darbela had some success as a racehorse, winning four times and finishing second at Grade II level over hurdles. Darbela was a granddaughter of Darazina, a broodmare whose other descendants included the French classic winners Darjina (Poule d'Essai des Pouliches), Darsi (Prix du Jockey Club) and Daryaba (Prix de Diane).

As a yearling colt, Darlan was sent to the Doncaster sale in January 2008 and was bought for £13,000 by the bloodstock agent David Redvers. He entered the ownership of Paul Murphy and was sent into training with Nicky Henderson at Upper Lambourn in Berkshire.

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