Former Grand National winner Our Duke dies

Eight-year-old suffered a heart attack on Thursday morning at Jessica Harrington’s yard


Trainer Jessica Harrington has announced the death of Irish Grand National winner Our Duke.

The eight-year-old, who won the Fairyhouse showpiece as a novice last season, suffered a heart attack.

He had endured an interrupted campaign this season after disappointing on his return to action at Down Royal in November.

It was subsequently found he was suffering from a kissing spine, which was treated before he ran better at Leopardstown in February and then went on to land the Red Mills Chase from Presenting Percy.

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His last run came in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, buthe did not travel with any fluency and was pulled up.

Harrington tweeted: “We are sad to announce Our Duke died this morning following his usual morning exercise.

“He suffered a massive heart attack. He is a great loss to the Cooper family & our team.”

Our Duke won six of his 13 races, amassing over €400,000 in career earnings.