Pint-sized hurdler Lady Rebecca dies at 21
By Paul Eacott 1:39PM 21 APR 2013
LADY REBECCA, one of the most successful jumps mares in recent history, has died at the age of 21.
The pint-sized hurdler, who was successful in the Cleeve Hurdle three times between 1999 and 2001, had been suffering from colic.
She won 13 of her 19 races, amassing more than £160,000 in win and place prize-money, having been bought for just 400gns.
Bloodstock agent David Redvers tweeted: "Distraught that Lady Rebecca has had to be put to sleep due to colic. Part of our family for 20 years and we're all devastated.
"Lady Rebecca kick started both Venetia Williams' and my career. She cost 400Gns but had the heart of a lion and won 3 x Cleeve Hurdles Gr1."
Despite her tiny frame, Lady Rebecca, who raced in the colours of the Kinnersley Optimists, was incredibly tough and made a habit of coming out on top in battles up the famous Cheltenham hill with seven of her wins coming at the track where she also finished third behind Anzum in the Stayers' Hurdle of 1999.
Such was her popularity she finished 72nd in the list of 100 Favourite Racehorses voted for by Racing Post readers in 2005.
http://www.racingpost.com/news/live.sd?event_id=1053667
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