Trainer pays heartbreaking tribute to star horse after death from lung cancer

The winner of the first big jumps prize of the 2025-26 campaign has died after developing lung cancer. Our Champ had become a star in the stable of Chris Gordon, winning five times over hurdles including at Cheltenham and Ascot.

In May he registered the most important success of his career when capturing the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock under the trainer’s son Freddie. He had not raced since with Gordon Snr preparing the seven-year-old for the transition to racing over fences this term.

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Gordon, who is based near Winchester in Hampshire, told Mirror Racing: “Last Wednesday, when the owner was here, he completed a routine canter and showed absolutely no signs of anything. He looked really well in himself.

“Simon Walker, the amateur rider, was on him when Our Champ was walking back and he just went a little bit strange on him. By the time he returned to the yard, one minute he looked like he was going to fall over, the next he was walking really well again.

“We called the vets immediately. We ended up having four vets here with several things being diagnosed quite quickly. We ended up taking him to Donnington Grove vets near Newbury.

“They diagnosed him with lung cancer. It’s a very rare thing in horses. His lungs just kept on filling up with fluid and he had to be put down on Saturday. It was quite extraordinary.”

He continued: “We have no clue as to how he got it. He was seven years old. It was one of those very rare, desperately sad things.

“He had kicked off his season with a smashing win at Haydock. I was probably going to go over fences with him this season at some point.

“He was a wonderful little horse who gave us some very special days. He won at Cheltenham on my son’s 18th birthday. For a father I can’t possibly buy a present like that. I was very grateful for that.

“He won the Sussex Champion Hurdle and also ran fantastic races in defeat. He wore his heart on his sleeve and gave us many good days on the track.

“I know the owners are devastated but we have been very lucky to have him in our yard. We will rejoice in his memory.”