From triumph to tragedy in 16 days: the story of sensational grey One Man

One Man won the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Two weeks later he died at Aintree. His passing touched everyone. He took the fun with him.

One Man won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2000. He was grey and he was a bit short, but his trainer called him "my little rubber ball". He had a problem with stamina, especially up the hill, and died in his first season. He started his career at the Bishop Auckland yard of trainer Arthur Stephenson. Stephenson had recognised his suitability for steeplechasing. John Hales, his owner, said that despite his weaknesses, One Man excelled.

One Man's first King George was cancelled. John Hales went to Barbados to watch the big race. He had to pay £68,000 for the horse despite the fact that he had two splints on his front legs and only 75% vision in one eye. He was a sound horse throughout his life. One Man was sold at a dispersal sale. The horse was bought by John and Pat for £6,800. It was not the first time that One Manners had problems. After Stephenson's death, his horses were auctioned. They were sold for a total of £60,500. Hale's wife Pat had a look at them.

One Man won the King George VI Chase at Haydock in 1996. He was sent south by Richards to make or break his career. He won two more races that season, but didn't complete in the remaining two. His career ended in tragedy in 16 days. The last of his jumping career was at the 1996 King's George V Chase.

One Man won the King George in 2010. He was beaten in the Martell Cup at Aintree the following season. Richards and Hales decided to send him for the Queen Mother Champion Chase. One Man cut out much of the running and went winging down to the second-last going as easily as he had been two years earlier in his first Gold Cup. Brian Harding pushed him out on the feared, fearsome run-in. He jumped the last with all the elan we had come to adore. It was the stage for his rebirth. The good-looking hero was savaged by the critics. His flaws obvious to even his most devoted supporters.

Keep up to date with the Racing Post on all social channels.