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Monet's Garden did Dessie better than anyone, the impression was uncanny

David Jennings reflects on the stellar career of the gorgeous grey

Monet's Garden and Tony Dobbin on their way to Grade 1 success in the 2007 Melling Chase at Aintree
Monet's Garden and Tony Dobbin on their way to Grade 1 success in the 2007 Melling Chase at AintreeCredit: Edward Whitaker

The one at Kensington Palace was in full bloom this year, bathing in 30C temperatures through June and July, but it wasn't as spectacular as Monet's Garden at Aintree, Ascot or Ayr. Now there was a sight for sore eyes.

Fences are there to disrupt a display, not embellish it, but they were always the punchline of Monet's Garden's jokes as he laughed at his rivals over and over again with ludicrous leaps. Steeplechasing seldom comes so easy.

Monet's Garden never fell, stumbled nor genuflected in his 32-race career. He had the feet of Michael Flatley and the heart of Mother Teresa. Combine the two and you got one of the most popular chasers of the modern era.

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Deputy Ireland editor

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