The horse racing world is mourning the loss of an equine great as it was announced that Kicking King, winner of both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the King George VI Chase, has passed away at the age of 25. The Irish-bred gelding was a fan favourite throughout a stellar racing career that saw him take on some of the biggest names in the sport and come out victorious. In this article, we look back at the life and legacy of Kicking King and celebrate the many achievements of this beloved racehorse.
Kicking King, the legendary chaser and winner of both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and dual King George VI Chase, has passed away at the respectable age of 25. The Irish National Stud announced the sad news on Twitter, with an affectionate post describing Kicking King as “a legend in every sense of the word”. Owned by Conor Clarkson and trained by Tom Taaffe, Kicking King won 12 of his 28 starts, with 6 Grade 1 victories earning his connections more than £800,000 in prize-money.
Kicking King never finished outside of the top two at the Cheltenham Festival, which he contested for three successive years. He was the runner-up in both the 2003 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and 2004 Arkle, but his defining moment at the festival came in 2005 when he won the Cheltenham Gold Cup emphatically over Take The Stand. His last win came in 2005 at the King George at Sandown, where he held on bravely by a neck from Monkerhostin under jockey Barry Geraghty. Kicking King then experienced a long layoff of 759 days due to a tendon injury, but despite efforts to bring him back to his best, he wasn’t victorious again and retired in 2008 after a disappointing second place at Punchestown.
Clarkson paid homage to the popular horse by sharing his fondest memories of him. “Kicking King brought my family, friends and I on an odyssey in horseracing few are privileged to enjoy. My thanks to Tom and his team for their magnificent handling of Kicking King that enabled him, with the wonderful Barry Geraghty on board, to achieve so much”, he said. Clarkson expressed his pleasure in the knowledge that Kicking King had many happy years providing enjoyment to the public under the unparalleled care of the Irish National Stud.
In conclusion, the world of horse racing has lost a true champion in Kicking King. This remarkable horse will always be remembered for his incredible victories in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and King George VI Chase. His legacy will live on through the many foals he sired, and the memories he created for all who had the privilege of watching him race. Rest in peace, Kicking King. You will always be a true legend of the sport.
