Tributes to people's horse Many Clouds

Many Clouds digs deep for his fateful last win

While lovers of National Hunt racing are still coming to terms with the loss of a horse that epitomised the sport, Aherne can reflect with pride upon the career of Many Clouds, who was owned by Preston North End owner Trevor Hemmings.

“He was a people’s horse, and probably the greatest National winner since Red Rum,” Aherne said.

“He always gave his all – every day of his life.”

That colourful life began at Aherne’s Windward House Stud in County Cork on April 21, 2007 after the successful mating between Cloudings and the mare Bobbing Back.

From day one, Aherne had an inkling the young horse was special and was delighted when Hemmings agreed to buy him.

“Even as a foal, he looked like a good horse. He was a big enough foal and looked nice and had a nice walk,” he said.

“I persuaded Trevor Hemmings to buy him and the rest, as they say, is

history.”

Aherne followed Many Clouds’ career every step of the way – right from his debut success in a Wetherby bumper five years ago to the heady heights of victories in the Hennessy Gold Cup and Grand National, to his dramatic final appearance on Saturday (pictured below winning the Cotswold Chase).

“Oliver Sherwood always said he was a horse that would go over a cliff for you.

“On Saturday, he went over that cliff and went out battling,” he said.

“From the day he won his bumper at Wetherby, I was there with him all the

way.

“I feel very sorry for all the people who were with him every day of his life.

“To Oliver, to Trevor, to Leighton Aspell – the only jockey to ever ride him – to CJ (Chris Jerdin), Lisa Kozak and Nathan Horrock), my heart goes out to them.

“He was 10 years old and probably going down the hill, but who is to say he couldn’t have won the Gold Cup?

“Compared to the Flat game, people get attached to National Hunt horses as they are around a lot longer, and people definitely grew attached to Many Clouds.”

Sherwood said: “We’ve got to look forward and not look back. He’s been the horse of a lifetime and I always said he would die for you and he’s died for me and the team today doing what he does best.

“He wanted to win that race, he was beaten and then fought back in the last 50 yards to win. One thing I want now is for Thistlecrack to win the Gold Cup.”