By Kieran McHugh
Dan Skelton has paid an emotional tribute to dual Cheltenham Festival winner and fan favourite Langer Dan following his death at the age of 10 due to a heart condition.
The enigmatic hurdler became a modern-day cult hero after his back-to-back victories in the Coral Cup, defying the wrath of the handicapper.
Equine Robin Hood
Langer Dan retired last year after being found to have an underlying heart problem and spent his retirement in the care of Amber Blythe, who Skelton thanked in his heartfelt tribute.
In a statement on social media, Skelton wrote: “We are saddened to say that we lost Langer Dan suddenly yesterday to the heart condition he was diagnosed with in February last year.
“He enjoyed a wonderful, well-deserved retirement and was thoroughly spoilt by Amber Blythe, who rode him during his time in training.”
Langer Dan may have only won six times for Skelton, but your eyes were drawn to him in every single one of his 27 races.
Who can forget when he brought the house down by nearly winning the Grade One Aintree Hurdle a month after landing his second Coral Cup?
Skelton ended his tribute by saying: “Thank you to owner Colm Donlon for his devotion to Langer Dan, both during his racing career and throughout his retirement.
“We will never forget what he achieved on the racecourse and he will be greatly missed by all.”
Langer Dan’s death will be felt across the entire racing community, with many sure to mourn the equine equivalent to Robin Hood.
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