Lochnager (4 March 1972 – 1994) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. A specialist sprinter, he raced mainly in the North of England winning nine of his sixteen starts and was regarded as the best horse in Europe over sprint distances in 1976. He won one minor race as a two-year-old but made relentless progress when campaigned in handicap races in 1975, winning several valuable events. He emerged as a top-class performer as a four-year-old, establishing himself as the year's best sprinter with a run of four successive wins in the Temple Stakes, King's Stand Stakes, July Cup and William Hill Sprint Championship. He made little impact at stud, but was the damsire of Lochsong. Background Lochnager was a big, powerful brown horse bred in England by E A Dandy. He was by far the best horse sired by Dumbarnie (a son of the Derby winner Dante) who won several races at sprint distances and was placed in the Gimcrack Stakes and the Diadem Stakes in the early 1950s. Lochnager's dam Miss Barbara did not come from a particularly distinguished family but won six races. As a foal Lochnager was sold for a "modest sum" to Charles Spence. The colt was sent into training with Mick Easterby at his stable near Sheriff Hutton in North Yorkshire. In his early life his size and strength meant that he was viewed as a potential National Hunt horse. Lochnager was ridden in most of his races by the leading northern jockey Edward Hide. Racing career 1974: two-year-old season As a two-year-old, Lochnager raced exclusively over the minimum distances of five furlongs. After finishing second on his debut and unplaced on his next start he contested the Studley Stakes, a minor event at Thirsk Racecourse in August. Racing against eight opponents, he recorded his first success, beating Bello Baletta by one and a half lengths. In September, over the same course and distance, he was matched against better opposition and finished fourth. 1975: three-year-old season As a three-year-old, Lochnager made steady improvement throughout the season as he competed in handicap races. After finishing unplaced on his seasonal debut he won the Bass Apprentices Handicap over five furlongs at Haydock Park. He then beat Walk By by three lengths in the Finch Decanter Handicap over the same distance at Ascot Racecourse, ridden by Ernie Johnson and carrying a weight of 106 pounds. On his