Hennessy hero dies of colic
Madison Du Berlais, winner of the 2008 Hennessy Gold Cup, has died of colic.
The gelding, by Indian River, was 12 years old. He was trained by David Pipe and was one of the first horses to beat Denman.
Winner of the 2008 Hennessy ahead of Air Force One, Madison Du Berlais went on to defeat Denman in the Levy Board Chase at Kempton in 2009 before winning the Totesport Bowl Chase at Aintree in the same year.
He was retired in 2011 after winning 10 of 51 starts.
Trainer David Pipe posted on his website yesterday (Monday 2 December): “Sadly one old friend of Newbury is no longer with us.
“Madison was a great favourite in the yard and we enjoyed many happy times with him since buying him from a French claimer.
“His 2008/9 season in particular was stellar with memorable victories not only in Newbury’s showpiece, but also at Kempton (where he demolished Denman) and Aintree.
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“He was retired from racing after his final run in December 2011 and had been enjoying himself competing in dressage.”
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A graduate of Exeter University, Amy joined our news team from Redpin Publishing in 2008 as news writer. She was promoted to deputy news editor in May 2013 and became news editor in April 2015. She left Horse & Hound in March 2016 to take up an editorial position in Dubai.