'He was part of the family' - McLernon pays tribute to festival hero Holywell

Richie McLernon has paid an emotional tribute to dual Cheltenham Festival winner Holywell, describing him as the most special horse he had ridden in his career, following the gelding's death at the age of 15.

Owned by Gay Smith and trained by Jonjo O'Neill, Holywell was small in stature but made up for that in bravery and class, winning seven of his 32 starts and earning more than £311,500 in prize-money.

His finest moments came with back-to-back festival triumphs, first when causing a 25-1 shock in the 2013 Pertemps Final before returning a year later to win the Ultima Handicap Chase.

He also recorded a Grade 1 success when he beat future Gold Cup winner Don Cossack by ten lengths in the Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree following his Ultima triumph.

The son of Gold Well, who finished fourth in the 2015 Gold Cup and runner-up in the Ultima a year later, died peacefully at McLernon's family farm in County Cork having enjoyed his retirement there following the end of his racing career in April 2017.

Richie McLernon: 'He gave us some great memories and we'll really treasure them'Credit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"He was an absolute legend. He meant so much to me, my family, Jonjo, everyone at Jackdaws [Castle] and the Smith family," McLernon said.

"He was a very popular, kind horse. He was only a small fella but he had a big heart. When he was on song, he was very, very good. He was never any trouble and I'm so lucky I got the chance to be associated with him.

"He's the most important horse I've sat on. To have a special bond with him and to be really good as well meant a lot. The two days I won on him at Cheltenham were unbelievable, as it was for him to retire to my home in Ireland with my family, they loved him as well. He was part of the family."

McLernon highlighted Holywell's two festival wins as his standout memories and also spoke of his joy at seeing him win at the top level under Tony McCoy at Aintree.

He added: "He used to really come alive in the spring, Cheltenham used to bring out the best in him. Although he was quite small he would almost feel like a lion when he got there. He gave me two of the best days I've ever had in the saddle.

"The first day when he won the Pertemps we were fairly strong on him. I really fancied him and from riding him at home I knew the blinkers he came to wear a lot would make a huge difference. He produced the promise I always thought he had, he was absolutely cantering that day and won like a good horse.

"At Aintree he was excellent too and Jonjo knew him so well. He knew he'd always come to himself in the spring and always had him right for the day."

Holywell soars to victory under Tony McCoy in the Mildmay Novices' Chase, his sole Grade 1 winCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

As well as with racegoers, Holywell proved one of the most loved characters at O'Neill's Jackdaws Castle yard, despite having a cheeky side to him.

"The whole team adored him. He was very placid, but he would give you a full warning if he was to do anything to you," McLernon said.

"He'd give a little squeal, but he never had any badness in him – he'd never try to hurt you. He'd let you know he's feeling well, but when it was a cold, wet day you'd have to drag him out of the stable. When the sun was on his back though, he was a different proposition. He loved what he did."

O'Neill paid his own tribute, writing on Twitter: "He was a truly amazing horse who gave ourselves, owner Gay Smith and family, Richie and AP some unforgettable days. He lived a dream retirement at Richie's family farm in Ireland and was much loved to the end."

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