'We owe him absolutely everything' - Scottish National hero Ryalux dies aged 28

Ryalux, winner of the 2003 Scottish Grand National, has died aged 28.

The decision to have him put down was taken on Tuesday evening after the gelding had lost weight and shown signs that old age had caught up with him.

Owned by William Lomas and named after the carpet company he founded in 1970, Ryalux was trained for his biggest win by Middleham trainer, Andy Crook, having started his career at the nearby stables of Micky Hammond.

It was as a ten-year-old that Ryalux belatedly realised his potential, losing out in a close finish to the Martin Pipe-trained Barryscourt Lad in the Great Yorkshire Chase before a staying-on third to La Landiere in what was then the Racing Post Chase – his final run, and warm up, prior to his big day at Ayr.

On that occasion he got the better of a thrilling duel with the Pipe-trained Stormez, looking beaten at the last only to rally under Richie McGrath and edge past his AP McCoy-ridden rival.

Ryalux (right) duels with Stormez en route to Scottish National gloryCredit: Alec Russell

He only managed four subsequent starts before being retired, most recently in the care of Alan Muir, close to Crook’s stables.

By far the biggest winner of Crook’s training career, his passing has been keenly felt at the yard, a fact acknowledged by Crook’s daughter, and assistant trainer, Amy.

“It was a very quiet house and yard yesterday. He’s been part of the family for about 25 years now and we owe him absolutely everything,” she said.

“We will always talk about him and on bad days you can look back to that day on April 12, 2003 and it gets you out of bed in the morning. He had a fantastic retirement though, how many horses get a 17-year retirement? We were just so lucky to have him.”

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