Final farewell to five-time Grand National runner who had a ‘twinkle in his eye’

Aintree specialist Vieux Lion Rouge, who ran in five Grand Nationals, has died aged 17 owing to colic following a happy and active retirement.

The gelding, trained by David Pipe at Pond House for his entire career, is remembered as a “horse of a lifetime” by Caroline Tisdall, who owned him with John Gent. He retired from racing in January 2022, just after his 13th birthday, and spent his post-racing days following hounds and exploring the moors.

Mr Pipe paid tribute to Vieux Lion Rouge, remembering him as a “cheeky character who loved his carrots and he leaves us with some fond memories that we will cherish for ever”.

“He spent his recent retirement living with Toby and Callie Coles on the edge of Dartmoor from where he loved his ventures on to the moor and also his trips to various Devon sandy beaches and blackberry picking,” said Mr Pipe.

“Previous to that he had been on Exmoor and out regularly with the hounds and he really did love his active retirement. He was also back for spells at the yard quite regularly in the build-up to his days out at Aintree parading.

“When back here he and Julie Bellamy [who cared for him at Pond House] teamed up like they did in his racing days and they would go on hacks on Culmstock Beacon.

“He loved seeing his old friends and seemed to enjoy the buzz of being back in what was his home for well over a decade.”

Vieux Lion Rouge ran in five Grand Nationals and six Becher Chases over the famous fences. He won 13 of his 41 career starts, including two Becher Chases and a Grand National Trial at Haydock. His best finish in Aintree’s showpiece was sixth in 2017.

“His favourite pastime has always been going to Aintree racecourse, both during his racing career and then in more recent times he loved his twice yearly outing to Liverpool,” said Mr Pipe, adding that you could “see the twinkle in his eye when he stepped out of the lorry at Aintree”.

Professor Tidsall added: “He has been amazing for us, the horse of a lifetime. He has given us so many memorable moments and the fact that he was able to remain sound and happy for 10 years of racing is testament not just to his toughness, but to the care and attention given to him by the trainer and the whole team at Pond House”.

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