Dubai Trainer Saeed Bin Surour has led the tributes to Lammtarra, Godolphin’s only Epsom Derby winner who died on Sunday at the age of 22, describing him as a ‘true champion’.

The son of Nijinsky, who was unbeaten in four career starts, three of which came at Group 1 level and included the King George and Arc de Triomphe, was

euthanized at Darley’s Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket, England after battling a short illness.

“I was very sad to hear of the passing of Lammtarra. He was a true champion and one of the best horses that I have trained,” Bin Surour told the Godolphin website.

“His victories in the Derby, King George and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe were exceptional and he will be remembered as an outstanding horse for generations to come.”

An English and French champion, Lammtarra raced in the colours of Shaikh Saeed Maktoum Al Maktoum, whose father, the late Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, bred Lammtarra in the name of his Gainsborough Farm.

His three Group 1 victories came after he was transferred to Godolphin, the stable launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Lammtarra won the Epsom Derby on his seasonal debut in June, 1995 shattering the 59-year-old course record in the process.

Walter Swinbur, who was in the saddle on that day said Lammtarra was among the best three colts he ever ridden along with the great Shergar and Zilzal.

“He was 10 lengths adrift on his first start but got up to win and I couldn’t pull him up,” he told the Telegraph.

“It was a bit the same in the Derby. He struggled early probably because he had not had a trial and the only thing I did right was nurse him up the hill. The rest he did himself and he made up six lengths in the last furlong.

“The best tribute I can pay him is that he made the Derby at all – in February he was nearly dead. he was an extraordinary horse.”

Dalham Hall Stud director Liam O’Rourke told the Darley website: “Lammtarra was a horse that was very close to Shaikh Mohammad’s heart.

“He was very intelligent, a true gentleman and never gave anyone a moment’s trouble.

“Sadly, this was his time to go and we are pleased that he passed away comfortably. He will be missed by everyone here at Dalham.”

Lammtarra was retired to Dalham Hall Stud at the end of 1995 where he bred a full book of mares before being sold the following year to stand in Japan. When Shaikh Mohammad discovered he was scheduled to be re-sold he brought him back to Dalham Hall in 2006 to live out his retirement.

He sired seven stakes winners during his stud career.