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Every so often, you attend an event in the hope that something magical or historical will happen. Years later, the memory of that day will resonate, make you smile and say "I was there when…"
As Inglis Drever came to the last that day, finding himself in yet another battle, the outcome was inevitable. He was never going to come second in a fight, but still the Cheltenham faithful, who cast aside their own selfish motivations for his success, roared Inglis Drever up the hill to a victory that would catapult him into deserved immortality.
It wasn’t his ability that we found so endearing. Greater horses have come and gone that didn’t enjoy half the love and respect that Inglis Drever rightfully earned
When you were down on your luck at The Festival, with just a few quid in you pocket on Thursday, you knew there was only one horse that would get you out of trouble.
However, we didn’t love him because of the financial gain.
It was his idiosyncrasies, coupled with an unparalleled will to win and the fact that he did it year after year that fans of this sport found so touching.
The Rocky Balboa of racing who would look beat, slug it out and finish his opponents with one devastating, knock-out blow at the end.
"Ain’t nothing over ’til it’s over".
He may never have won in commanding style, the kind of style that had Timeform purists drooling, but it didn’t matter who he beat or how he did it.
If there were a group of horses ahead of him turning in, as far as he was concerned they all had bullseyes on their backsides and The Drever would pop his eyes out of their sockets and take aim.
A statue would not accentate the characteristics that made him so popular.
He needs something that symbolizes his courage and class. Something which he loved and something that seperates the men from the boys and is synonymous with Cheltenham…
The Inglis Drever Hill.
Very nice tribute Bosranic. Cant add much to that but to say Inglis Drever will be missed lots. Condolences to all connected with this mighty racehorse.
Really sad news his third (?) win in the Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham with his devoted groom cheering him on was a magic moment. Thanks for the memories Inglis Drever and rest in peace.
It was strange how the cheltenham hill were the breaking of so many, but the making of ID. I don’t think I’ll ever see another horse show such disdain for the most unforgiving home stretch in NH. I hope he didn’t suffer for too long
Massive repsect to Inglis Drever, A wonderful horse who won at the Festival only to get beaten at Aintree such was his way.
A huge loss to the Wylies and also to Ginny his loving and caring lass who treated him with such love,care,patience and understanding.
Goodbye old lad and have a wonderful time up in Horsey Heaven.
poor inglis drever, was hoping you’d have a long happy retirement that you deserved, you were a star and we will never forget the memories, rip at least your free of pain nowReally sad news. He was the sort of horse that makes the Cheltenham Festival so special and memorable.
R I P, very sad news.
A champion like him deserved to have a long and happy retirement. I was there when he won the 3rd one, I remember thinking he was nowhere, then he just burst through, I remember the exact place I was stood at Cheltenham when I saw that, will never forget it.
http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news … _Snap.html
Owner Graham Wylie paid a heartfelt tribute to Inglis Drever after the three-time World Hurdle hero died on Friday morning.
The Howard Johnson-trained 10-year-old, who retired from racing in January, had to be put down after suffering a fatal bout of colic.
"It’s a sad day, but I walked round the house this morning and there are pictures everywhere and trophies, so I have some fantastic memories," Wylie said.
"It is very difficult to pick out one day, but I suppose my greatest memory is of him winning his third World Hurdle as that day he was making history.
"He was the first horse that ever went to Cheltenham to run for me, he was the first horse that won at Aintree for me and has just been a fantastic horse to be involved with.
"He was a difficult horse to run against as he could be up at the front or at the back of the field and he just had that turn of foot that nobody could live with.
"He just loved coming down that Cheltenham hill second time around and you could just think it wasn’t going to be his day and before you knew it, he was jumping the last hurdle in the lead.
"He was such a tough, tough horse and I don’t think we’ll ever find another one like him, but we’ll try our best."
Johnson said: "Without a doubt he’d be number one when it comes to horses I’ve trained.
"He went to Graham’s for a good retirement – it is just one of those things."
Inglis Drever began his career on the Flat for Sir Mark Prescott, for whom he won four races.
"Mr Johnson kindly faxed me this morning. It’s very sad," said the Newmarket trainer.
"They transformed him from a useful horse into a legend at White Lea Farm stables. I can imagine how very upset they will be, but they gave him a wonderful career.
"He deserved a long and happy retirement, but like lots of people who’ve done well and worked hard they don’t always get lucky enough."
Inglis Drever was transferred to Johnson’s yard in 2003, when he made a winning debut for his new team in November.
Although the star hurdler will be best remembered for his exploits at Cheltenham, he also won the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury three times (2005-07) – in addition to big-race triumphs at Sandown, Warwick, Wincanton, Haydock and Wetherby.
Johnson said: "He’s been a fantastic servant to me and the yard and has kept me going since we bought him off Sir Mark.
"He won three World Hurdles and was the first horse to win the Order of Merit.
"You could always tell when he was right and he was a peach to train.
"He wouldn’t hurt a butterfly and you always knew he would come up hills because as soon as he saw our hills at home he used to fly.
"It’s very upsetting and I’ve said to Mr Wylie that we’ll get him cremated and get him back into what I call the ‘Millionaire’s Field’ in front of our house.
"He used to love it in there, and spent his summers in there every year since he arrived, so I think we should bury his ashes in there."
Another endearing quality in the constitution of Inglis Drever was his tendency to hit a flat spot in his races – as evidenced by his World Hurdle victories in 2005 and 2007.
There was no sign of that trademark quirk at Prestbury Park last March, however, as he powered up the hill to record a no-nonsense verdict over Kasbah Bliss.
Defeat at Aintree – never his happiest hunting ground – followed last April, after which he was sent to Newbury for his seasonal debut.
But Denis O’Regan’s mount suffered a hock injury and was pulled up after four out.
Although there were hopes he had made a full recovery, Johnson realised the game was up in January.
O’Regan was understandably stunned by the news.
The jockey was in the saddle when the horse won his third Ladbrokes World Hurdle and described him as the best horse he will ever ride.
"It’s shocking news. I won the World Hurdle on him and the Long Distance Hurdle as well," he said.
"He was a lovely horse and it’s a shame.
"He was a top-class hurdler and it’s a shame he’s died so young, but he’s a horse that will stick in the memory for a long time.
"He’s the best horse I’ve ridden and will probably be the best horse I’ll ever ride.
"He’s brought my career to the fore and it’s a sad ending to a great career for that horse."
Graham Lee’s association with the horse lasted from November 2003 to December 2005.
Their seven victories included a first World Hurdle in 2005 when the pair dethroned the French champion Baracouda.
Lee said: "When you are a jockey you want to have big rides in big races and he was a very, very good horse.
"It was a privilege to ride him."
A statue is definitely in order for old Popeye.
Don’t think any of us will forget the image of him charging up the hill to his 3rd World Hurdle victory.
His crazy stable lass just added to the greatness of this horse –
"Whats that coming over the hill is it a monster, its INGLIS DREVER"We will miss you Popeye, take it easy in equine heaven.
What a horse! As you got to know his way of running you could see the flat spot then suddenly he would take off like the superstar he was.
RIP to one of the greats of NH racing.
Very sad news which I have just read about. He was the kind of horse that makes National Hunt racing so special. Tough, hardy and with that quirky flat spot that gaves us all the jitters usually about halfway. Then that turn of foot up that most famous of racing hills and his crazy lass cheering him on. Pure theatre.
He will be missed is a major understatement. He will never forgotten either. The suggested Inglis Drever Hill has a nice ring about it, but surely, it must be the Inglis Drever World Hurdle from now on. I am certain that something appropriate will done in his memory.
A small tribute to the best jumper from the North in modern times.
such sad news i am in shock and my thoughts go out to his wonderfull stable-girl GINNI WRIGHT i think her name was, who said he helped her battle through breast cancer, the pictures of her when he won his 3rd world hurdle will stick with me a great partnership.
R.I.P TO A TRUE CHAMPION
A horse which defined the Jumps Racing sprit. A true legend who will always be remembered.
He was one of the horses who just caught the public’s imagination.
He was so brave and tough, he never threw in the towel.
I will never forget his historic 3rd World Hurdle, when he made the leap from a great horse to an icon and a true legend of Cheltenham.
He deserved a long, happy retirement, yet he is at peace now. RIP
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