The hugely popular Harchibald, who is remembered most for his part in the thrilling Champion Hurdle of 2005 when Paul Carberry sat motionless halfway up the run-in, has died at the age of 25.
Harchibald was adored by jump racing fans for his ability to stay on the bridle during his races and, while he didn't win the Champion Hurdle 19 years ago as Hardy Eustace outbattled him close home, he almost won more supporters by the manner of his defeat.
Indeed, his trainer Noel Meade admitted he won't be remembered most for the 14 races he won, including five Grade 1s, but instead the high-profile event he narrowly failed to.
Meade told the Racing Post: "Harchibald was the most wonderful horse. It's funny because he is more popular for the race he didn't win rather than all the races he did win. He didn't maybe do all the things we wanted him to do, but he did a lot of them. He gave us some fantastic days. He was a great one and we'll never forget him.
"He was 25 and he enjoyed a wonderful retirement. Johnny Hurley looked after him since he retired and he treated him like a king."
Reflecting on what made Harchibald so good, Meade said we were led to believe he was a seriously quick horse by the way he travelled in his races, but it was another department of his game that made him such a talent.