3 minute read
Cheltenham Festival winner Youlneverwalkalone had died at the age of 29.
Frank Berry, racing manager for JP McManus, described the horse as "top-class", having seen him take the narrow victory over Haut Cercy in the William Hill Chase.
Trained by Christy Roche, Youlneverwalkalone was a son of Montelimar, and was named after the iconic Liverpool FC anthem. He was sent off at 5-4 favourite to win the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2000, but was narrowly beaten into third place by Sausalito Bay and Best Mate.
His first four races saw him take the win, however, and his next big success saw him beat Moscow Flyer in the 2001 Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse, with Dorans Pride in third. This was his only Grade 1 victory, though he also won ten of his 22 starts and was placed in eight outings overall.
Youlneverwalkalone's final outing came in the 2003 Grand National, where he was backed into 8-1 second favourite. Unfortunately, he went lame after the 12th fence and was immediately pulled up by jockey Conor O'Dwyer.
"Unfortunately, Youlneverwalkalone has passed away at Martinstown after a long and happy retirement. He was top-class and operated at the highest level." said Berry.