Waterloo Boy loses his final battle

The former top-class chaser Waterloo Boy has died. The 12-year- old was found to have broken a leg in his box on Sunday and was humanely destroyed.

The son of Deep Run was bought by Anthony Stroud for 4,500IRgns in 1983 and proved an inspired purchase, going on to prove one of the best two- milers in training.

Nicholson recalled the gelding's career yesterday: "He surprised us all by finishing a close second on his debut, giving us a first view of the competitive spirit that would be his trade mark in years to come.

"Walter, as he was called in the yard, won six novice chases, including the Arkle Trophy in 1989 and was placed in the next three runnings of the Queen Mother Champion Chase, being involved in some of the most gutsy finishes on record.

"He was ridden in most of his races by Richard Dunwoody and never fell, although he managed to dislodge both Jamie Osborne and Jimmy Frost.

"He had been enjoying an active retirment leading schooling and showing young hopefuls the ropes."

Another, rather younger, favourite, Vindaloo, failed by just a head to claim outright the 20th century record for Flat handicap wins in a season at Ripon yesterday.

His 10th win looked on the cards when he hit the front a furlong out, but the 10-year-old Mellottie passed him on the line. Vindaloo may make another attempt to claim the record outright at York tomorrow.