Popular King's Stand winner The Tatling dies aged 20

The Tatling, who built up a cult following during a career that featured four Group-race victories including the King's Stand Stakes, has died at the age of 20.

Starting off as a two-year-old in 1999, The Tatling became more famous for his longevity than his not insubstantial achievements on the track, racing 176 times under rules until just shy of his 15th birthday, largely for trainer Milton Bradley.

The Tatling with Darryll Holland after winning the 3:05 King's Stand Stakes (Class A) (Group 2)(3yo+) at Royal Ascot 15th June 2004 MirrorpixCredit: Edward Whitaker

In a post on the horse's official fan club page on Facebook, Sarah Bradley, the trainer's granddaughter and a former amateur jockey for the yard, wrote: "I'm sorry to say it is bad news and that we have had to have him put to sleep. His eyesight failed him and it was no longer fair on him.

"We would like to thank you all for following him and the support over the years. He enjoyed his retirement at the yards where he didn't want for anything and was looked after the way he deserved.

"We hope you all enjoyed him as much as we all did. He really was one of racing's greats. He will always be remembered. I'm happy I was a part of his life and his amazing career. RIP The Tatling."

The Tatling started his career with Michael Bell, for whom he finished second in the Cornwallis Stakes, and spent a year with David Nicholls before joining Bradley.

He won 18 of his 176 starts, including the King's Stand, King George Stakes at Goodwood and consecutive renewals of the World Trophy at Newbury in 2004 and 2005.

He was retired after a final victory in December 2011 at Wolverhampton under Richard Kingscote, when he defied being drawn in stall 11 and odds of 16-1 to get up in the last stride.

The Tatling in numbers

Starts 176

Wins 18

Seconds 28

Thirds 25

Total earnings £687,763

Time between first and last race 4,594 days

Jockeys 36

Most course wins Three (Newbury)