'I think Willie would put it as one of his finest achievements' - Nakayama Grand Jump winner Blackstairmountain dies aged 20

Nakayama Grand Jump winner Blackstairmountain, who was responsible for one of the most lucrative and audacious victories of Willie Mullins' long and illustrious career, has died at the age of 20.

A Closutton homebred and owned by Rich Ricci, Blackstairmountain was a dual Grade 1 winner in Ireland, but it will be for his Japanese exploits that he will be most fondly remembered.

Mullins had rebuffed earlier invitations to run Florida Pearl and Alexander Banquet in the contest during their pomp, but he accepted the challenge with Blackstairmountain, who became the first European winner when scooping the €565,000 first prize in 2013.

He was ridden to five of his 11 career wins by Patrick Mullins, who said: “I think Willie would put Blackstairmountain’s win in the Nakayama as one of his finest achievements.

“It was a huge undertaking for us to go out to Japan at the time. Emmet Mullins went out with him, and a lot of the credit is due to him and Diarmuid Keeling.

“Ruby [Walsh] got down to 9st 13lb to ride him and he was very much the difference. It’s a little bit like the wacky races out there, they start out of stalls and run up and down hills with all different types of jumps.”

Ruby Walsh after Blackstairmountain's winCredit: PH:ICHIRO TERASHIMA

“Florida Pearl used to be invited every year,” he added. “But it’s quick ground, so really you need a smaller type rather than big heavy three-mile chasers.

“Huge credit must go to Rich Ricci as well, because it’s a very expensive trip and he was game to do it."

Georgia Stubington, who owns Sweet Wall stud and livery yard in Antrim, cared for the three-time Flat winner following his retirement after winning in Japan.

“He had been very well up until now," she said. "We had hoped to take him eventing, but he had slight back issues, so he did a little dressage and other bits and pieces.

“He then retired gracefully to the field where he and another mare we had became good friends. They lived very happily together.”

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