HEARTBROKEN trainer Noel Meade said ‘our King is dead’ after the passing of legendary racehorse Harchibald at the age of 25.
The fan-favourite hurdler was simply adored by punters – and probably best remembered for the race he didn’t win rather than any of the 14 he did.
PA:Press AssociationHardy Eustace ridden by jockey Conor O’Dwyer, right, leads over the last from second-placed Harchibald ridden by jockey Paul Carberry, centre, in one of the most dramatic Cheltenham Festival races ever[/caption]
PAHeartbroken trainer Noel Meade said ‘our King is dead’ after Harchibald died at the grand old age of 25[/caption]
The 2005 Champion Hurdle has gone down in history for the way Paul Carberry sat motionless on Harchibald after the last of the 2m contest.
It looked for all the world like Carberry just had to hit go on the then-six-year-old to claim the top hurdle prize in the sport.
But in truth he knew there was little lift in the tank and, with 50 yards to go, he asked Harchibald for maximum effort.
The horse simply couldn’t find enough up the famous hill and lost out by just a neck to 7-2 Hardy Eustace in a finish for the ages.
But Harchibald, as shown by his five Grade 1 wins, was so much more than that.
He showed he had tremendous grit and determination when reeling in Rooster Booster in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day 2004.
Ridden by Carberry again, the pair gave Richard Johnson and his mount a 25-length head-start but clawed them back in thrilling fashion to win by a length-and-a-half in the end.
Meade spoke of his deep sorrow upon learning of the horse’s death.
He wrote on X: “Hail the King, our King is dead.
“Harchi was my favourite horse of all time. I know on occasions he annoyed people and for sure he annoyed me but we had great days together, @paulcarberry Harchi & myself.
“Never to be forgotten & I’d like to thank Johnny & Danielle Hurley for looking after him so well in his retirement.
“He became part of the family with them. R.I.P. old friend.”
One punter among the many paying tribute said the horse – who could entertain and infuriate in equal measure – was the ‘Maradona of racing’.
More to follow.
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