Tree planted in memory of 'mighty oak' Many Clouds
Many Clouds, the 2015 Grand National hero who died after dethroning the mighty Thistlecrack in a thrilling Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham in January, has been honoured by the Jockey Club, whose estates team has planted a memorial tree for the popular gelding.
The oak tree is next to the short gallop on the Lambourn training grounds and Oliver Sherwood and his team were out in force on Thursday to see the memorial being unveiled.
A people's champion, Many Clouds won the 2014 Hennessy Gold Cup, before landing the following year's National under Leighton Aspell in the familiar green, white and yellow silks of Trevor Hemmings.
He produced arguably his best performance, however, when edging out Thistlecrack in the Cotswold Chase, but collapsed and died shortly after the line.
"I can't thank the Jockey Club enough and I know Mr Hemmings is deeply touched," said Sherwood. "Clouds was good for Lambourn, my team, my family and certainly for me. He was the best I trained; he was very, very special. Lambourn went through a bit of a dip but horses like Many Clouds helped bring it up again.
"I always said he'd go through a brick wall for you and if I find another half as good I'll be happy."
Chris 'CJ' Jerdin, the devoted groom of Many Clouds, was among those present.
He said: "I know where I'll end up, right there. It's still raw, but I'm glad he's been recognised for what he did. He was Horse of the Year twice and top staying chaser this year; he was an icon."
Will Riggall, who manages the training grounds in Lambourn for the Jockey Club, added: "If he'd been a tree he'd have been a mighty oak tree. The group wanted to do something in Lambourn because he was Lambourn's horse. He meant a lot to all of us and his career mirrored the renaissance of the village."
You might also be interested in:
We came to celebrate one hero but left with tears for another: Tom Kerr on Many Clouds
Groom Chris 'CJ' Jerdin reflects on the loss of the popular chaser
'You're joking?' Sherwood shocked and honoured by Clouds recognition
Published on 28 July 2017inNews
Last updated 16:57, 28 July 2017
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