Retired Grand National winner Neptune Collonges delighted youngsters and inspired dreams on his annual visit to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital today (14 April).

Owner John Hales and top jockeys Nico de Boinville, Harry Skelton Aidan Coleman and Patrick Mullins were among those who joined the gentle grey on his trip to the hospital, where they met children, parents and staff. Jockeys gave away signed goggles, and soprano Laura Wright performed a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

“He has been coming here every year since he won the Grand National in 2012, excluding the two Covid years. He loves it and his temperament with the children is brilliant,” said Mr Hales.

“I enjoy this day and it is nice for the kids to help put a smile on their faces. I get a lot of satisfaction out of doing this.

“Thank God old Neptune is fit and well and long may it continue. I’m sure he does know when this day comes around, he certainly does when he sees the children.”

Nico de Boinville, fresh from his Grade One double on Thursday, was among those to visit Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with Neptune Collonges.

“It is fantastic what they all do here,” he said. “If we can do a small little thing to brighten up someone’s day then that is great. It is very touching to be here.

“You think about if you were in this position how would it feel for you and it is great to see so many cheery faces here and everyone being very positive.

“Of course it does put a different edge on the visit being a father, but what they do here is fantastic and words can’t really describe what they do here.”

Harry Skelton said it is an event that he always looks forward to.

“It puts everything into perspective coming here and it sometimes gives you a kick up the backside you might need about life,” said Harry.

“The kids are very unassuming and they are so positive which is great to see.

“Leading up to Aintree we always speak about this trip coming and it is great that a good number of us can make the effort and come here.”

Aidan Coleman echoed Harry’s thoughts, adding that he hopes meeting Neptune Collonges might inspire some to get into horses.

“It is great to do something like this and see the kids get some enjoyment. It is always cool to see Neptune Collonges and it is great that John Hales brings him. It is a special thing we are able to do and we are fortunate to be able to do it,” said Aidan.

“I guess we take it for granted that we are exposed to these horses every day. It is great to see from an outside perspective what it means to meet horses. Hopefully a couple might get the bug when they get out of hospital and take up riding.”

Patrick Mullins added that it is “nice to try and give something back”.

“I’ve heard about it and seen the pictures and we have done something similar at Crumlin (Children’s Health Ireland) back in Dublin,” he said. “Being here puts everything into perspective, really.

“When you think have problems this puts it all into perspective and I think it makes everyone realise how lucky we are.”

The visit was the first time that teenager Jess Plumpton, who is being treated for parainfluenza, had met a horse up close.

“He was lovely, especially as he was a grey horse, and I was surprised how gentle he was,” said the 13-year-old.

Ronnie Gough, seven, who broke his leg on Good Friday, was one of the first in the queue to meet Neptune Collonges.

“When he came down off the ward Ronnie was so excited to meet the horse. He would have liked to have ridden him but I said that might be a bit ambitious,” said his mum, Sam Price.

“It is lovely for the kids something like this taking place as it really brightens up their day,” she said. “Ronnie certainly enjoyed it and he wants a pony now! I really can’t fault the hospital. Both of us have been so well looked after.”

It was a special moment, too, for seven-year-old Hari John Cain Jones, who has spent a large part of his young life in hospital, receiving care and treatment for rare muscle-wasting condition X-linked myotubular myopathy.

Hari’s father, Michael Jones, said: “Hari has been in here for the last nine weeks but he has spent a lot of time in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital as the first time around he spent four years here.

“Things like this are brilliant. We were upstairs in the ward looking down but as soon as Hari heard the horse come in he wanted to come down.

“He loves horses and he watches the racing on television. With his disability it is not easily accessible seeing horses so this is great.

“He has been given some goggles by Rachael Blackmore and that has made his day. I think she is now his favourite jockey!”

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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.

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Two of the greatest National Hunt racehorses of all time enjoyed being back in the spotlight at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials last Sunday (8 September).

Kauto Star and Neptune Collonges, both trained by former Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, strutted their stuff in front of fans in the main arena.

Dual Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kauto Star is now fully in the swing of his new life as a dressage horse with eventer Laura Collett.

Laura was not riding in the 4-star at Burghley having suffered a serious rotational fall in July, but is now back eventing and rode Kauto.

Kauto’s old stable companion Neptune Collonges, who was ridden at Burghley by Sam Wall, has also turned his hoof to dressage.

The 2012 Grand National winner made a winning dressage debut with Lisa Hales in February.

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Last year’s Grand National winner Neptune Collonges brought smiles to the faces of many this morning (5 April) as he visited Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with former trainer Paul Nicholls.

Nicholls tweeted after leaving the hospital in Liverpool: “Very humbling experience. Kids loved him.”

John Hales, owner of “Nipper”, has been trying to set the visit up for a while and is a strong supporter of the cause.

“I am pleased to say that we are very much keeping our connection with Liverpool, because Neptune is now parading for charity for Alder Hey Hospital,” said Mr Hales.

Alder Hey’s IMAGINE appeal, raising money for hospital facilities, is the official charity of the John Smith’s Grand National and jockeys have for several years made an annual pre-festival visit to the hospital.

The charity’s patrons AP McCoy and Mick Fitzgerald led the visit to the children’s hospital cancer unit to meet patients and parents.

Mr Fitzgerald said: “When I was riding, I found the visit particularly humbling — seeing what the patients and their families were going through put a real perspective on things and made me realise there was more to life than racing.”

Neptune Collonges was retired after beating Sunnyhillboy by a nose in last year’s National.

He has made several public appearances for his fans and taken up dressage, ridden by Mr Hales’ daughter Lisa.

He won his very first intro test at Kingswood EC in Albrighton with a glowing 79.57%.

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Lucky Laura Collett has a new ride and an early Christmas present — in the form of legendary chaser, Kauto Star.

The event rider has been asked to re-school Kauto for a second career in dressage, by his owner Clive Smith.

Kauto, who is 12, was retired from racing in October.

He won 16 Grade Ones — including two Cheltenham Gold Cups (2007 and 2009). He is the only horse to have regained the Gold Cup after having lost the race.

This morning (11 December), Laura tweeted:“I feel very privileged and extremely honoured to have been asked to ride Kauto Star… #excited!”

Laura added that she would be “working closely with Yogi [Breisner] to give Kauto Star the best chance of a second career in dressage”.

Owner Clive Smith was put in touch with Yogi — Team GBR eventing chef d’equipe — by the Retraining of Racehorses charity.

“I’ve seen Garrison Savannah, Mr Frisk and Neptune Collonges all have a go at dressage after retiring, and I wanted him to have an interest,” said Clive.

“He is just too good to be a hack or in a field.”

Kauto’s old stablemate at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard, Neptune Collonges, made a winning return to competition last month.

The 2012 Grand National winner won an Intro dressage test with owner John Hales’ daughter, Lisa — with a whopping 79.57%.

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Retired 2012 Grand National winner Neptune Collonges has made a winning return to competition — but this time in the dressage arena.

“Nipper” was retired in a blaze of glory immediately after the race and went to his owner John Hales’ Shropshire base in the summer.

Mr Hales also owns Nick Skelton’s great former showjumpers Arko and Russel.

The 11-year-old grey is now ridden by Mr Hales’ daughter Lisa and they competed in their first dressage competition yesterday (18 November)

They won the Intro A test at Kingswood EC in Albrighton with 79.57%.

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Racing’s governing body will publish its review of the 2012 Grand National – in which two horses died – later this week.

Daryl Jacob rode veteran chaser Neptune Collonges to a thrilling victory in a photo finish, but the race was marred for many by the deaths of the Gold Cup winner, Synchronised and According To Pete.

H&H understands that the British Horseracing Authority’s (BHA) review focuses on the start of the race and may recommend new procedures.

This year’s race was delayed when Synchronised jinked and unseated AP McCoy, before running loose for several minutes. Two false starts delayed the race further.

The BHA is not expected to recommend further changes to the course or fences.

After the race, H&H canvassed experts on whether changes were needed.

H&H racing columnist Brough Scott suggested the size of the field could be reduced.

“It’s much, much more important to cut the field size than the height of the fences,” he said.

“The challenge shouldn’t be neutered but if you had fewer runners of higher quality, you’d be more likely to have more finishers.”

Channel 4 racing presenter, Alice Plunkett agreed. “Very few races have so many horses and, for me, that’s something that could be looked at,” she told H&H.

According to Pete had to be euthanased after he was brought down by another horse. Synchronised was injured as he followed the race, having unseated his rider.

But jockey and H&H columnist Choc Thornton urged against tinkering with the race further, lest it be turned into a “bog-standard handicap chase”.

He said: “The fences don’t need changing, the number of runners doesn’t need reducing, the speed of the race doesn’t need controlling.”

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Grand National hero Neptune Collonges is due to have an “active and happy” retirement, according to trainer Paul Nicholls.

Owner John Hales told H&H that “Nipper” will spend the summer back at his farm in Shropshire, before returning to Somerset in the autumn.

“The plan currently is to use him as a schoolmaster for Megan [Nicholls’ 14-year-old daughter, right] to teach her the ropes, give her confidence and prepare her for point-to-pointing,” said Mr Hales.

“He has a beautiful temperament, there’s not a nasty bone in his body.”

Paul told H&H Neptune Collonges is likely to live with Emma Barber (daughter-in-law of Ditcheat landlord Paul Barber), who is joint-master of the Blackmore and Sparkford Vale.

“Emma looked after him when he was recuperating from injury [back in 2009] so he’ll go to her and go out for a few days’ hunting with both Emma and Megan,” he said.

“He won’t ever race again but we want to keep him active throughout the autumn. He’s only 11 and he’d hate to be doing nothing.

“He’ll also help Megan practise jumping fences in the run up to pointing, but there’s plenty of time as it’s another two years until she can ride in races.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (3 May 2012)

To read about Neptune Collonges in our First & Last feature see the current issue of H&H (3 May 2012)

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Groom Clare Smith talks to H&H about the sweet-tempered Grand National-winning hero.

Fact file

Age: 11

Name: Neptune Collonges

Stable name: Nipper

Height: 16.1hh

Breed: AQPS

Sire: Dom Alco

Owner: John Hales

Trainer: Paul Nicholls

Discipline: NH racing

Groom: Clare Smith

Best result: dual Grade One Guinness Gold Cup winner (2007-2008), Grand National (2012)

Six things you didn’t know…

1 When Nipper first arrived at Ditcheat as a four-year-old from France, he was “narrow and only about 15.2hh,” says Nicholls. “I said I couldn’t let Mr Hales see him for a while and fed the horse up!”

2 Don’t be surprised to see him pop up in hunt reports in the future. “He can turn his hoof to anything,” says Nicholls’ wife Georgie. “I’ve been inundated with requests to take him hunting.”

3 He’s only the third grey to win the Grand National after Nicolaus Silver (1961) and The Lamb (1868 and 1871).

4 He was out of action for more than a year after sustaining an injury in the 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

5 “Always the bridesmaid”. Trainer Paul Nicholls says he would have won a Cheltenham Gold Cup if it hadn’t been for stable-mates Denman and Kauto Star. Nipper came third behind the pair in 2008.

6 He won the Grand National by a nose – the shortest margin in the race’s 165 runnings.

To read the full interview with Clare Smith about Neptune Collonges see the 3 May issue of H&H

Do you want to read all the latest racing news?

Racing’s National Hunt champions will be paraded at Sandown tomorrow (28 April) to celebrate the end of the jump racing season.

The parade will include the Paul Nicholls-trained Neptune Collonges, winner of the 2012 Grand National.

He will be joined by stable-mates Big Buck’s and Kauto Star.

Big Buck’s made history at this year’s Cheltenham Festival by winning four consecutive World Hurdles. And earlier this month at Aintree, he set a new record for the number of consecutive wins by a National Hunt horse, collecting his 17th win in a row.

While Kauto Star became the only horse to have won the King George VI Chase five times in December 2011.

“This is a chance for racegoers to see the champions of the season parading in their winning rugs with their trophies, and to applaud their success,” a spokesperson for Sandown told H&H.

“It’s a chance to get up close and personal with the horses.”

Parading from Nicky Henderson’s yard will be Bob’s Worth, Sprinter Sacre, Finian’s Rainbow, Riverside Theatre and Simonsig.

And popular Cheltenham winner Hunt Ball, trained by Keiran Burke and owned by Anthony Knott, will also be appearing.

It will start at 12.30pm in the parade ring and will be followed by the The Sandown Park Awards ceremony at 12.45pm.

The day continues with a combination of Flat and jumps races – including the Bet265 Gold Cup.

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

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Neptune Collonges is set to be out of action for a year after sustaining a leg injury.

The Paul Nicholls-trained racehorse has suffered a tendon injury, which is thought to have occured during last Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup. Neptune Collonges finished fourth in the race, ridden by Christian Williams.

Owned by John Hales, the three-time Grade One winner will be assessed by vets but he will be off 12 months — meaning he will miss next year’s Gold Cup.

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