Much-loved Many Clouds takes title again after landslide victory

The love jump racing fans have for old favourites was highlighted again with Many Clouds crowned the Racing Post Jumps Horse of the Year for the second time at Sandown on Saturday.

Trevor Hemmings' chaser sadly lost his life at Cheltenham in January, moments after defeating Thistlecrack in an epic Cotswold Chase under Leighton Aspell, who partnered him on every one of his 27 starts.

The 2015 Grand National winner had built up a huge following through his winning exploits and tough running style, and his popularity was evidenced with a landslide win in the competition, as he captured 65 per cent of the vote.

From the 3,689 votes cast, 2,416 were for Many Clouds, and speaking on Saturday trainer Oliver Sherwood said: "It's a huge compliment and I can't thank all the voters enough.

"He captured the public's imagination, everybody loved him. He was a huge loss to everyone. I hope I find another one half as good as him.

"It's a huge accolade for the horse, the owner, the jockey and all of us at Rhonehurst."

SKY-HIGH SUPPORT FOR CLOUDS
Where the votes went

Many Clouds 2,416 votes
One For Arthur 325
Sizing John 251
Thistlecrack 200
Un De Sceaux 181
Defi Du Seuil 161
Buveur D'Air 155

Second place in the competition went to this year's Grand National winner One For Arthur.

Many a drink was no doubt raised to the Lucinda Russell-trained chaser following his victory at Aintree earlier this month, and he certainly caught the eye of those at the Guinness brewery in Dublin.

The brewers decided to send Russell and her team a special cask aged stout to sample following One For Arthur's victory, and wrote the yard a letter, complimenting the eight-year-old.

It read: "You ran a brave race, winning with conviction and style. Your namesake Arthur Guinness would have been very proud."

From the archives: ‘We came to celebrate one hero but left with tears for another’ - Tom Kerr on the emotional day Many Clouds lost his life