The tragic loss of Young Kenny, many people's idea of this season's winner of the Martell Grand National, has robbed Ryedale trainer Peter Beaumont of a personal favourite, a horse who had spent all of his ten years at Foulrice Farm, near Brandsby.

Young Kenny was put down after suffering a serious injury to a hind leg during the De Vere Gold Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

Beaumont, devastated by the gelding's demise, said: "Young Kenny was born here. We raised him and educated him and he was such a grand horse, a great character, that he was never a moment's bother."

Young Kenny, who won a total of 11 races and more than £256,000 in win and place prize money, was among the best staying chasers in the country.

Two seasons ago, he memorably won the Lincolnshire National, the Greenalls Grand National Trial, the Midlands National and the Scottish Grand National, despite rising almost two stones in the handicap.

Although a faller in last season's Grand National at Aintree, he returned to Merseyside in November to conquer the formidable fences and win the Becher Chase under top weight.

Originally owned and bred by Gareth Read, Young Kenny was bought last summer by Trevor Hemmings, whose dream had always been to win the Grand National.

"He was on track for Aintree and was as good as ever," said Beaumont sadly.

"I suppose his wins in the Scottish National and the Becher Chase were his biggest highlights, but all his wins were special. Bad days like Saturday are a reminder that you should appreciate the good days even more."by Tom O'Ryan

The tragic loss of Young Kenny, many people's idea of this season's winner of the Martell Grand National, has robbed Ryedale trainer Peter Beaumont of a personal favourite, a horse who had spent all of his ten years at Foulrice Farm, near Brandsby.

Young Kenny was put down after suffering a serious injury to a hind leg during the De Vere Gold Cup at Haydock on Saturday.

Beaumont, devastated by the gelding's demise, said: "Young Kenny was born here. We raised him and educated him and he was such a grand horse, a great character, that he was never a moment's bother."

Young Kenny, who won a total of 11 races and more than £256,000 in win and place prize money, was among the best staying chasers in the country.

Two seasons ago, he memorably won the Lincolnshire National, the Greenalls Grand National Trial, the Midlands National and the Scottish Grand National, despite rising almost two stones in the handicap.

Although a faller in last season's Grand National at Aintree, he returned to Merseyside in November to conquer the formidable fences and win the Becher Chase under top weight.

Originally owned and bred by Gareth Read, Young Kenny was bought last summer by Trevor Hemmings, whose dream had always been to win the Grand National.

"He was on track for Aintree and was as good as ever," said Beaumont sadly.

"I suppose his wins in the Scottish National and the Becher Chase were his biggest highlights, but all his wins were special. Bad days like Saturday are a reminder that you should appreciate the good days even more."

Updated: 13:33 Monday, February 26, 2001