'He changed my life' - owner pays tribute after death of Young Hustler at 32

Under a late evening sun and in the field he graced for so long, the tremendously popular former chaser Young Hustler left the world on Wednesday at the age of 32 after time was called on the life of a great elder statesman of jumping.

In the colours of owner Gavin MacEchern, Young Hustler won 15 of his 65 races, including the Sun Alliance (now RSA) Chase, Becher Chase and Charlie Hall Chase, while in a remarkable spree of success over three consecutive Saturdays in 1993 he claimed the Great Yorkshire Chase, Scilly Isles Chase and Arlington Premier Chase Final.

All those victories came in the care of Nigel Twiston-Davies, who trained the courageous front-runner throughout his career, during which he also finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and fifth in the Grand National.

Young Hustler and Carl Llewellyn on their way to winning at Ascot in December 1993

"It was something I had been expecting for a year or two," said MacEchern.

"He was a very old boy and he suddenly stopped eating. We discovered his heart was packing up and that he may not have lasted the night, so it was obvious what we had to do. I was there, along with Debbie Maunder, who has looked after him so well and adored him.

"I fed him one last carrot and we then took him into the field with his shetland pony friend. He was wobbly on his legs, so it was made clear by putting him down we were stopping him being in pain. Debbie and I were in floods of tears but he went peacefully and it was the kindest thing to do."

Young Hustler enjoyed a long and happy retirement in Gloucestershire

MacEchern added: "It was remarkable to be at Cheltenham last month and realise it was 25 years since he jumped the final fence of the Gold Cup alongside The Fellow and Jodami.

"He was very special and changed my life and the life of my then wife Sarah. So many people around Gloucestershire knew him and sent fan letters. I could never have another horse like him. We were unbelievably lucky."

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