Danoli dies after severe colic attack

Danoli, one of the most popular horses in Ireland during the 1990's, died at the weekend following a severe attack of colic. He was 18 years old.

The horse who won the 1994 SunAlliance Hurdle and the 1997 Hennessy Gold Cup had spent his retirement at the Irish National Stud where he and the Melbourne Cup winner Vintage Crop were a major tourist attraction.

"They tried everything but they had no choice but to put him down. He was a great horse and we will always have very fond memories," said his former trainer, Co Carlow-based Tom Foley.

Danoli's exploits catapulted Foley to national prominence until the horse's final appearance at Punchestown six years ago.

Meanwhile, Kicking King, winner of last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup, could drop back in trip to two miles when he starts back on the road to regaining his crown.

The eight-year-old has been sidelined by a tendon problem since winning the King George VI Chase at Sandown last December.

Trainer Tom Taaffe reports the Old Vic gelding to be making good progress and is looking forward to getting him back in action.