Popular Cheltenham horse Kiltealy Briggs dies from cancer as punters pay tribute

Kiltealy Briggs won five races from 22 starts for owner Max McNeill and raced over Grand National fences in the Topham Chase when last in action in April

A popular chaser who had his last run at this year’s Grand National meeting has died of cancer.

Kiltealy Briggs, who won five times in 22 starts, finished 14th of 29 runners in the Topham Chase over Grand National fences in April.

Aged nine and a winner of a handicap chase at Market Rasen in October, he would have been expected to have another season with trainer Jamie Snowden.

However his owner Max McNeill has broken the devastating news that the gelding had passed away due to cancer.

He said: “We are very sad to report that Kileatly Briggs passed away last week from cancer.

“He was a brilliant racehorse for us with such a kind temperament and he will be greatly missed.

“We want to thank the whole team @jamiesnowden who looked after him so well throughout his career.”

McNeill, whose company Ultima sponsor at the Cheltenham Festival, recently announced he had carried out a rationalisation of his racing interests, dispensing with retained jockey Adrian Heskin and his racing manager.

Kiltealy Briggs, who was bought for £70,000 in 2018, won nearly £100,000 in prize money.

The news provoked many tributes and messages of sympahty on , with one saying: “So sorry to hear this. Loved him, an unsung, honest hero of a horse. Condolences to all.”

Another said: “Very sad & terrible way to have to say goodbye to a beautiful equine. My condolences.”

“I'm so sorry to hear that,” said another message. “I was at Warwick when he made his debut. Rarely have I been so struck by a horse. The most magnificent specimen.”