Breeder of dual Arc winner dies in Pennsylvania aged 98

June McKnight, the breeder of dual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Alleged, died peacefully at her home on Tuesday in Pennsylvania aged 98.

McKnight was the daughter of John W Hanes, an investment banker who was later appointed undersecretary of the treasury by president Franklin D Roosevelt.

Hanes also served as president and later chairman of the New York Racing Association.

McKnight grew up in New York, and attended Foxcroft School in Virginia, where she was named “best rider in school” in her senior year.

She achieved the unique accomplishment of breeding two-time winners of both the Arc and the Maryland Hunt Cup.

McKnight campaigned a stable of jumpers in the US for many years, trained by Mikey Smithwick and for the most part ridden by his brother Paddy Smithwick.

Smithwick also trained for her her stakes-winning mare on the Flat, Princess Pout, who went on to produce Alleged.

Alleged won the Arc in 1977 and 1978 before a successful career at stud in Kentucky. His progeny included Classic winners Law Society, Midway Lady and Shantou.

Tong, owned by her son Turney McKnight, scored in the Maryland Hunt Cup in 1982 and 1986.

McKnight is survived by three children - H Turney McKnight, Sumner T McKnight and Christina A McKnight - along with six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.