Popular campaigner Captain Dunne dies aged 12

Popular sprinter Captain Dunne, who enjoyed his biggest day when winning the 2011 Dash at Epsom, has died at the age of 12.

Tim Easterby, who trained the 12-time winner throughout his 100-race career, said: "He came to us when he retired but was used as a riding horse all over.

"We heard about it the other day, he was in transit and when they arrived they found a bad cut on his leg. It turned out he'd cut an artery and they had to put him down. It's a real shame, he was a star for us and we were all very sad to hear about it."

Reflecting on the horses's career, which ended last autumn, Easterby said: "The Dash would have been one of the big days, you have to be as quick as the wind to win that race like he did, and he was.

"He was also beaten a whisker in a Group race at Longchamp, he led from the off and got done on the line."

Named after ex-Manchester City captain Richard Dunne, Captain Dunne was one of the most celebrated horses to carry the silks of Middleham Park Racing.

Their director of racing Tim Palin said: "We'll forever owe him a huge debt of gratitude for helping put Middleham Park Racing on the map and I'm very sad hearing this news. Rest in peace Dunny."

Captain Dunne, who was ridden by, among others, Mick Kinane and Kieren Fallon, as well as more regularly by Rachel Richardson, David Allan and Duran Fentiman, enjoyed his best year as a six-year-old in 2011.

As well as winning the Dash, he was nosed out in the Prix de Saint-Georges at Longchamp by Inxile and was runner-up in a handicap at Chester's May meeting.

Tim Easterby: trainer of Captain Dunne

Captain Dunne in numbers

100 starts
1 owner
12 wins
4 wins at Thirsk, where he enjoyed most success
£212,508 earnings
111 highest Racing Post Rating
1 trainer