Two-time Becher Chase hero Vieux Lion Rouge has died at the age of 17. Former trainer David Pipe confirmed his passing on his website on Monday.
Vieux Lion Rouge possesses a place in Aintree folklore. The Grand National course was first used in the 1830s, yet no horse has jumped as many of the famous fences than Vieux Lion Rouge has.
In all, across 11 stars over the National course, Pipe’s gutsy, yet diminutive horse jumped 254 fences successfully. It is a remarkable record and testament to a true warrior of National Hunt. But for an unfortunate unseat when hampered in his final attempt at the Becher Chase, it could have been even more.
As well as the jumping, there was plenty of success for Vieux Lion Rouge at Aintree. He twice won the Becher Chase over 3m2f, doing so the second time at the age of 11 in 2020. That easy victory, secured by a wide margin of 24 lengths, contrasted with his first. That came by a short-head in 2016.
His best in four attempts at the Grand National saw him finish sixth to One For Arthur in 2017. He had won the Haydock Grand National Trial the previous month.
“You could really see the twinkle in his eye” – Pipe
One of the main reasons fans of National Hunt racing latch onto the sport is the familiarity of its combatants. Vieux Lion Rouge ran over the Grand National fences for seven straight seasons.
He was also campaigned all year round at times. When most horses were enjoying a summer break, Vieux Lion Rouge tackled the racecourse in May and June 2015. As hardy as they come, he won both of those novice chases.
However, it is at Aintree where he will be most fondly remembered. Pipe’s tribute, as reported by The Sun, outlines the love affair the horse had with that track.
“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.
“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.
“You could really see the twinkle in his eye when he stepped out of the lorry at Aintree.
“He was due to be there for Grand National Day this year but now he will be looking down on them all from above and saying I hope you enjoy jumping those fences as much as I did!”