LEGENDARY record-breaking racehorse Marsha has died aged ten.
The former Nunthorpe winner smashed records when sold for around £6million as a broodmare in December 2017.
Marsha, right, was a sensation on the racecourse and in the sales ringRex Features
She was awesome on the track, winning owners Elite Racing Club more than £650,000 in 18 races.
Marsha won the Prix de l’Abbaye in October 2016 before going onto claim the York blockbuster in August the following year.
Trained by Sir Mark Prescott, she also had Listed success at Ayr and York and finished a valiant second to the all-conquering Battaash when defending her Abbaye crown.
Marsha’s final race was the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in November 2017 where, under regular rider Luke Morris, she finished sixth.
It was at the sales where she made the real money though, smashing the European record when selling for 6,000,000 guineas the following month.
MV Magnier made the purchase for Coolmore and immediately described her as ‘something very special’.
Sir Mark, who won last year’s Arc with Alpinista, said at the time: “Some horses make it difficult for you but she made it very easy.”
Elite Racing Club manager Dan Downie confirmed to the Racing Post that the beloved Marsha had died.
He said: “It’s devastating news. She gave us some amazing days and we’ll never forget her.
“We hoped she’d go on and enjoy a long and successful career as a broodmare, but that’s been cut short, which is tragic.”
Punters were quick to pay their tributes to the mare as news of her death spread.
One person wrote: “This is terrible news. A wildly talented sprinter.”
While another posted: “Heard the rumour, very sad. Legend for us all.”
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