The hugely popular chaser Monet’s Garden has died aged 20 after an illustrious career.

The eye-catching grey, trained by Nicky Richards, won 17 of his 32 starts and a had a large, loyal fanbase.

In a career that spanned seven seasons, Monet’s Garden notched up three Grade One victories between 2007 and 2010; two at Ascot and the 2007 Melling Chase at Aintree.

He is also something of an Aintree legend, three times winning the Old Roan Chase, which was renamed in honour of the horse’s success.

“We bought him at Fairyhouse at the Derby sale as a three-year-old and he has just been an absolute pleasure to have around,” Mr Richards told H&H.

“We knew he had a lot of ability early on. [Jockey] Brian Harding did a lot of the early work with him and schooling him, he did a great job.

“He was a super racehorse right from the start — he won his first ever race, a bumper at Ayr, and the rest is history.”

Mr Richards remembered the first time he saw the gelding, who was bred by William Delahunty in Ireland.

“I had gone to the sale with [agent] Gerry Griffin, the Derby sale is over two days, and David Wesley Yates [who was soon to be the horse’s owner] could only come for the first day,” he said.

“There were a couple we looked at, but we didn’t end up with anything on the first day, so Gerry said ‘let’s go and have a look at tomorrow’s lots’”.

“David came along with us and we went and found a few barns in Fairyhouse and the horse was about the third lot we looked at.

“He walked around the corner and straight away we said ‘he is the boy’. David had to come home for business and he left us a budget, which we went past, but David agreed to have him and it was probably the best decision of his!”

Mr Richards added one of his fondest racing memories of the horse was at Carlisle in 2006, when French chaser Mid Dancer was brought over to take him on.

“[Monet’s Garden] showed him a clean pair of heels!” he said.

He was ridden by Tony Dobbin for his first 23 races, winning 13 times. On Tony’s retirement from the saddle in April 2010, several other jockeys took on the ride, including Davy Condon, Richard Johnson, Barry Geraghty and Dougie Costello.

The horse was retired from racing aged 13 after winning his third Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October 2010 due to a complications arising from a foot abscess.

The navicular bone and flexor tendon became infected and the horse underwent a number of operations, but his outlook did not look hopeful and his connections were prepared for the worst.

But thanks to vets and the care he received at home, the horse pulled through and went on to have an active retirement with Mr Richards’ daughter, Joey.

“He was just a lovely horse, never nasty and he had a great temperament,” added Mr Richards.

“Joey started looking after him when he was a five-year-old and she was with him all the way though. She was absolutely brilliant with him, we nearly lost him, but for that miraculous recovery.”

Mr Richards also credited the vets involved and Mr Yates for persevering with the horse.

“As you can imagine the vet bills that were gathering were very expensive, but David was very insistent that he got the best treatment and money was never a problem. I’m quite sure a lot of people would not have gone as far as they did and he deserves great credit,” said Mr Richards.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Who’s your favourite grey racehorse? [PICS]

Who doesn't love a grey? Here are H&H's favourite grey racing heroes from over the years

What you didn’t know about… Monet’s Garden

Groom Joey Richards tells H&H about the popular grey chaser who beat the odds

Grand National winning jockey Tony Dobbin retires

Tony Dobbin, winner of the 1997 Grand National, will retire from the saddle today (Thursday 10 April) at Carlisle racecourse

During his second career with Joey, Monet’s Garden enjoyed success in the show ring and took part in many Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) parades. He was crowned RoR Horse of the Year in 2016, which recognises the horse “judged to have been the best ambassador for the retraining of racehorses”.

Monet’s Garden was put down on Tuesday night (20 November).

Mr Richards said he and the vet believe he may have had a mini stroke.

“He just started to go downhill and wasn’t right in himself,” he said, adding they didn’t want to put the horse through extensive treatment at his age.

“It would have been an uphill battle and we thought ‘I think this is the right time’.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Everyone loves a grey — in racing they are often a paddock pick or crowd favourite due to their striking appearance. Across the years many great greys have stormed to victory on the racecourse — picking up legions of fans along the way. We look back at some of our favourites.

Desert Orchid

Arguably the most popular grey racehorse of all time, “Dessie” wowed fans nationwide with his flamboyant jumping style.

A four-times winner of the King George VI Chase at Kempton, the gelding continued to parade there after his retirement on Boxing Day each year for the public. After his death in 2006 his ashes were buried near his statue at the Middlesex track.

A much-loved chasing campaigner he won 34 races, ran an estimated 180 miles and jumped more than 1,000 fences. “I’ve never known a horse so brave,” said rider Simon Sherwood.

However, his career was almost over before it started as in his first race in 1983 he took a crashing fall. But he returned to the track and won many top class races, including the 1998 Tingle Creek and 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

More than 58,000 people turned up to cheer the charismatic grey home that March, as he overhauled Yahoo in the run in in heavy ground.

After a crashing fall during his sixth King George he was retired. He had an active retirement — making public appearances, parading, and even fronting a range of merchandise that raised more than £40,000 for charity.

He died peacefully in his stable in November 2006 aged 27.

Trainer David Elsworth said at the time: “Everybody will miss him and our sympathy goes to his adoring public and fan club that never ceased to take opportunities to see him at his public appearances.”

Monet’s Garden

One of the most famous greys of recent years, Monet’s Garden collected an army of fans by winning the Old Roan Chase at Aintree three times.

For the past couple of years — including 2014 — he paraded before the race, which now bears his name, and looked fresh enough to take part.

Three years ago it was a different story — the popular chaser developed a critical bone infection and almost died. At the time owner David Wesley Yates told H&H he was “hoping for a miracle”.

Against the odds the strong grey pulled through and made a full recovery to enjoy his retirement.

He remained at Nicky Richards’ Greystoke yard and has done some showing with Nicky’s daughter Joey.

Neptune Collonges

It was almost like a fairytale — a grey wins the Grand National by a nose.

Neptune Collonges was the first grey since Nicolaus Silver in 1961 to win the famous race.

Trained by Paul Nicholls he fought to the line, narrowly snatching victory from Jonjo O’Neill’s Sunnyhillyboy in a photo finish. It was the narrowest win in the history of the race — and the horse was retired immediately afterwards.

“It was like a dream,” trainer Paul Nicholls told H&H. “When he worked at home he was so slow, he couldn’t keep up with anyone, but he was determined.”

It was a first win in the race for the trainer, and for the owner, John Hales.

“I just wanted him to get round safe and sound and I never dreamed that he would win it,” said Hales, who also owns showjumpers such as the Nick Skelton-ridden Arko.

“Nipper” has since taken part in dressage competitions with Lisa Hales — making a winning return to competition in November 2012.

Nicolaus Silver

In 1961 the Irish born grey was the first grey to win the Grand National since The Lamb in 1868.

After his trainer Dan Kirwan’s death in 1960 he was sold to England.

Trained by Fred Rimell he started at odds of 28-1 and partnered by Bobby Beasley, drew clear over the final fence to win by five lengths.

One Man

Another great grey to run in the famous yellow, red and white silks of John Hales.

The gelding, by Remainder Man, was foaled in 1988 and won 20 of 35 races — including the 1998 Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

He was trained by the late Gordon Richards, who nicknamed the horse his “bouncing rubber ball”.

He soared into the public eye thanks to his high speed and neat jumping style and followed in Desert Orchid’s footsteps as the people’s grey.

Like Dessie he also won the King George VI Chase (1995 and 1996).

To the anguish of his fans he suffered a fatal fall at Aintree in April 2008 during the Melling Chase.

Rooster Booster

The 2003 Champion Hurdle winner was well-known for his staying power and turn of speed.

Trained by Philip Hobbs and ridden by Richard Johnson and owned by Terry Warner.

He sadly died on the gallops while being prepared for the Christmas Hurdle aged 11 in 2005.

“He gave great pleasure to everyone connected with him,” said Richard Johnson.

Rooster Booster’s connections also had another famous grey — Detroit City who won the 2006 Triumph Hurdle.

Scots Grey

This gusty grey was the winner of the Fox Hunter’s at Aintree over the Grand National fences in 2007.

He was trained by Nicky Henderson and ran 44 times and won 10 races before retiring and taking up team chasing, where he was praised for his sure-footed jumping style.

“Scots Grey is a complete darling to be around, without a bad bone in his body,” said new owner Emma Burton.

Kingston Hill

In comparision to National Hunt racing, grey heroes on the Flat are relatively scarce. However, this year’s St Leger winner proved himself star. Kingston Hill also took the 2013 Racing Post Trophy and was named the Cartier Champion Two year colt that year.

Trained by Roger Varien, he was beaten one and quarter lengths at Epsom in the Derby but went on to win the final British Classic of the season — the St Leger at Doncaster. His half brother [by Mastercraftsman] has also flown the flag for the colour — the Grey Gatsby won the Dante.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Monet’s Garden looked fresh and well parading for crowds at Aintree racecourse on Saturday (22 October).

With ears pricked and a spring in his step, onlookers would not have thought the popular 13-year-old grey (pictured right during his racing career) had only been given a 50/50 chance of survival by trainer Nicky Richards earlier this year.

The racehorse paraded in front of the crowds before the Old Roan Chase, which was this year named in his honour.

Owner David Wesley Yates said the day was “fantastic”.

“He looked so well I almost thought he could have run round and won again,” David told H&H. “The crowd really welcomed him – it was wonderful to have him back on a racecourse again and he loved it. The Old Roan Chase was his race, so we’re thrilled.”

Monet’s Garden won the race in 2007, 2009 and 2010 before retiring due to a life-threatening hoof infection. The prognosis did not look good, but after months of treatment Nicky reports the gelding to be “full of beans”.

And fans of the spectacular grey should look out for the horse in the show ring next season as David told H&H he hopes the horse will enjoy his new career.

“That was always the aim – to enter some ex-racehorse showing classes in retirement,” said David. “It’s payback – he’s done so much for us we want him to enjoy life, and I think he’d like that.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Monet’s Garden, the popular grey racehorse who has recovered from a life-threatening illness, is set to parade in front of the crowds at Old Roan Chase day at Aintree (22 October).

And this year’s £50,000 Grade Two race is to be named in honour of the 13-year-old gelding, who won it three times.

Trained by Nicky Richards and owned by David Wesley Yates, Monet’s Garden won in 2007, 2009 and 2010 before retiring due to a hoof infection. He had an abscess in his foot shortly after the race, which subsequently developed into an infection in his navicular bone and flexor tendon.

At the time Nicky told H&H the horse had a 50/50 chance of survival.

But after months of treatment at Oaklands Veterinary Centre in Yorkshire he returned to Nicky’s yard in Cumbria and is now “full of beans” according to the trainer.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” owner David told H&H.

“The Old Roan Chase was his race, so we’re thrilled. And he’s in great shape at the moment – he’s chasing the other horses round the field, he thinks he’s a three-year-old again!”

He added that Monet’s Garden will be parading in-hand at Aintree but that they are hoping to show him in the spring.

“That was always the aim – to enter some ex racehorse showing classes in retirement,” said David.

“It’s payback – he’s done so much for us we want him to enjoy life. He’s so popular I’m sure people will want to see him at Aintree, we’ve got such a lot of calls and letters wishing him well. It will be an emotional day for us all though, I may need sedation!”

Nicky added: “The Aintree racegoers took the horse to their hearts and he always received a great reception in the winner’s enclosure. You could really see the love they had for him.”

The Betfred Monet’s Garden Old Roan Chase takes place at Aintree on Saturday 22 October

For more information visit: www.aintree.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Monet’s Garden has settled quickly back into life at Greystoke, following his return home last Thursday from a two-month stay in Oaklands Veterinary Centre with a life-threatening hoof infection.

“The first thing he did was squeal and roll in his box,” said his owner David Wesley Yates, adding that the horse was “95% sound”.

“He has been so well looked-after and he looks in great order.”

In fact, the triple Grade One winner is on such good form that connections deliberately staged a quiet homecoming.

“He would have loved a rowdy welcome,” Mr Wesley Yates told H&H. “But we have to be careful he doesn’t hurt himself, so we kept his arrival really quiet. His tendon was damaged with the infection, yet he is feeling very fresh. But he needs plenty of rest and walking in-hand.”

Monet’s Garden’s return has brought good luck to the Cumbria yard.

“Thursday was a good day, I had a winner at Kelso, Premier Sagas, and on the way home I dropped in at Greystoke to see Monet’s Garden,” said Mr Wesley Yates. “On Saturday another of Nicky’s runners, Skippers Brig, won at Haydock.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Popular grey chaser Monet’s Garden has returned home after fighting a hoof infection.

The 13-year-old returned to trainer Nicky Richards’ yard, Greystoke, in Cumbria yesterday (Thursday 17 February) after spending the past couple of months at Oaklands Veterinary Hospital.

Nicky had told H&H back in January that the horse had less than a 50/50 chance of survival after developing an infection in his off fore after his third Old Roan Chase victory.

But the horse is now reportedly settling back in well at home.

Owner David Wesley Yates told H&H on Monday the horse was “very fit, well and fresh” and that once he was home they could now start planning for his “active retirement”.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Connections of popular grey racehorse Monet’s Garden are looking forward to welcoming the grey home imminently, following his life-threatening battle with a hoof infection.

“We are just waiting for the vet to call and say ‘come and get him’,” said his owner David Wesley Yates. “The farrier has fitted a virtually flat shoe with a plastic cushion, which should be his last special shoe.”

There had been some speculation about whether Monet’s tendon would readjust after having worn wedged shoes for so long, but the omens are good.

“He’s four square on the ground, so we know the tendon is adjusting, but it will take time walking in hand and taking sensible exercise,” he said. “The trouble is that he doesn’t know he’s retired, and he is very fit, well and fresh, so we’re hoping he doesn’t do anything daft.”

Monet’s Garden is still unsound at this stage, but he is now expected to make a full recovery. Mr Wesley Yates said that he can now start planning for the horse to enjoy an “active retirement”, which will include public appearances for his many fans.

“He has had so many well-wishers, and he will certainly be making plenty of visits to racecourses so that they can see more of him in the future,” his owner promised. “I’ve always wanted him to be kept busy, but who knows what he will be doing. It’s just fantastic that he’s made it.”

The 13-year-old was forced into retirement last month after developing a life-threatening infection in his navicular bone and flexor tendon.

The horse, trained by Nicky Richards, developed an abscess in his foot after winning a third Old Roan Chase at Aintree last October.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Monet’s Garden’s owner David Wesley Yates has told H&H the popular chaser is “progressing” after suffering an infection in his off-fore hoof.

“He has now had five consecutive good days, which is encouraging,” David said yesterday (Sunday, 16 January).

“Although he is likely to have bad days, if these can be kept to the minimum, we are progressing. He is in good spirits and his lovely temperament makes him an ideal patient.

“We have reduced his dependence on medication without any obvious consequences and he will hopefully continue to improve.”

The 13-year-old grey was forced into retirement earlier this month after developing a life-threatening infection in his navicular bone and flexor tendon.

The horse, trained by Nicky Richards, developed an abscess in his foot after winning a third Old Roan Chase at Aintree last October.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The owner of popular chaser Monet’s Garden, David Wesley Yates, told H&H he was hoping for “a miracle” as the horse remains critically ill with a foot infection.

The 13-year-old grey was forced into retirement last week after developing a life-threatening infection in his navicular bone and flexor tendon.

He developed an abscess in his off fore after winning a third Old Roan Chase at Aintree last October. But the infection hasn’t cleared up as hoped, and after four operations, connections are preparing for the worst.

Vets have now reduced the amount of painkillers the horse is on as they were worried about the effect on his internal organs. And he’s wearing a special shoe to support his foot and make him comfortable.

“He’s had a decent weekend but we’re frightened to say he’s improved — it’s a case of two steps forward, three steps back,” said Cumbria-based trainer Nicky Richards. “He’s in the best possible hands and being given every chance.

“It’s incredibly upsetting for everyone. But he’s comfortable and happy within himself — we’re holding our breath.”

David added: “He’s in good spirits, but the prognosis isn’t good. It’s very serious and he’s not responding to treatment. If he starts to go downhill, we can’t have him suffering.”

Monet’s Garden has won 17 races from 32 starts, including the Old Roan Chase three times.

David described Monet’s Garden as “a horse of a lifetime” when speaking to H&H today (Monday 10 January), while Nicky said he was “an absolute dream” and “a gentleman”.

“He’s never had any problems so it’s a real shame for this to happen so late in his career —

we were hoping he’d have at least a few years of happy retirement,” said David.

“He’s a straightforward, genuine horse. His only quirk was he doesn’t like staying away from home — he likes sleeping in his own bed. We only realised this quite late on, after he disappointed in the King George. When we took him to Ascot (where he won the Ascot Chase last February) he got up at 5am, had breakfast and travelled down and loved it.”

The plan was for Monet’s Garden to retire this year and remain with his groom Joey, Nicky’s daughter.

“She’d been quietly making plans — we wouldn’t want him just turned out in the field — so we’re hoping desperately that some of those might be fulfilled. It’s very tough for her,” added Nicky.

Nicky and David have received hundreds of emails and letters from well-wishers from all over the world since the news broke of Monet’s Garden’s illness.

“It just shows how popular he is. We really appreciate everyone’s kind words and well wishes,” said the trainer.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Popular grey racehorse Monet’s Garden is critically ill with a foot infection.

The 13-year-old chaser is currently “battling away for his life”.

Cumbria based trainer Nicky Richards told H&H: “To be honest he’s not doing very well at all.”

When asked the trainer replied that he “wouldn’t give the horse as much as a 50/50 chance of survival”.

“He has more of a battle on his hands than that,” added Mr Richards.

The grey suffered an abscess after winning a third Old Roan Chase at Aintree in October. The navicular bone and flexor tendon became infected and the horse was retired. But despite operations the injury is taking longer than anticipated to heal.

“He’s had three operations in three weeks, it’s not that the infection has spread but they simply can’t close it down. It was a million-to-one chance that he got an infection in that part of the foot to start with,” said Mr Richards.

Monet’s Garden, who has won 17 races from 32 starts including the Old Roan Chase at Aintree three times, has a loyal fanbase in the horse world.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now