THE world of horse-racing has been saddened by the death of a true champion who never gave up – Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Master Oats.
Paul Matthews, who lived in Kensworth at the time, owned the gelding during its glory days.
And villagers were among the champion horse’s biggest fans.
Excitement was high in the Dunstable area when Master Oats earned fame in the 1990s.
On Monday, May 21, the champion died at 26, after a long and well-earned retirement in the Cotswolds. The Racing Post reported the horse had died from a heart attack.
Master Oats left a legacy of wins including the 1995 Cheltenham Gold Cup and, in the same season, the Welsh National, Rehearsal Chase and Pillar Chase.
Even in retirement, his triumphs were never forgotten by villagers.
In March, the Packhorse pub held its annual Cheltenham Gold Cup Day, hosted by Paul Matthews.
He attends each year to give racing fans a chance to see the actual Winners’ Cup.
Paul, who passed on the ownership of the horse when it was retired, said: “He was a wonderful horse.”
For the full story, see the May 23 edition of the Dunstable Gazette.