PRESENTING PERCY: Remembering the two-time Festival winner

The racing world was deeply saddened by the loss of duel Cheltenham Festival winner Presenting Percy on Thursday evening.

Denise Foster’s charge, owned by Phillip Reynolds, died after suffering from a blood infection, aged 10.

His owner said in an emotional tribute: “The sudden sadness of his passing is hard to contemplate, and the wonders of ‘what if’ will remain. To everyone who shared our love for Percy, we are so sorry.

“The horse of my lifetime – and my honour to have been called his owner.”

The son of Sir Percy won 11 of his 26 starts, including at two Cheltenham Festival’s in 2017 and 2018, respectively, both for former handler Pat Kelly.

He secured success in the Pertemps Final at Prestbury Park under usual pilot Russell four years ago, before ruling as king of the staying novice chasers in Gloucestershire twelve months later.

He was a duel winner of the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park and also landed the Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse when still a novice over fences.

His final appearance came at Leopardstown in the Savills Chase in December, where he finished eighth behind A Plus Tard.