02 September 2023 , 13:39
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Jimmy Moffatt has led tributes to Grand National course specialist Highland Lodge.
The popular chaser, who died at the age of 17, gave the Cartmel trainer and jockey Henry Brooke a day to remember in 2015 when he galloped to victory in the Becher Chase.
He also finished second and third in subsequent renewals, as Aintree's iconic fences transformed his career. The five-time scorer went on to compete in the 2017 Grand National won by One For Arthur.
Ahead of the race, the 11-year-old was purchased by David and Patricia Thompson from Cheveley Park Stud. They were attempting to take the world famous marathon for a second time, after Party Politics sparked celebrations in 1992.
Highland Lodge retired from racing in 2019, after one final spin around his favourite track – and lived out his days with Paul Thomason. The pair returned to Aintree in April, where they took part in the annual Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Parade.
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Paying tribute, Moffatt tweeted: "Highland Lodge - so sadly passed yesterday and took a little piece of us with him, a maelstrom of emotion when winning the Becher Chase for owners Simon, Patric, Rhyan & Juile Wilson, he will never be forgotten. R.I.P “podge.”
Thomason said he was "lucky" to have been entrusted with looking after the winner of more than £170,000 in prize money.
"I'd hoped he would be out hunting again this season but an unfortunate injury made that impossible, or retirement to the field," he posted on social media.
"Devastated doesn't come close to describing how we feel today at the loss of such a kind and beautifully mannered horse."