Trainer Jimmy Moffatt has shared a deeply moving tribute to his first Cheltenham Festival winner as a trainer, Chief Dan George, following the horse's passing at the age of 26. The celebrated racehorse, who gave Moffatt his inaugural Festival success, died peacefully near the trainer's base in Cartmel, Cumbria.
A Remarkable Racing Career
Chief Dan George enjoyed a distinguished career on the track, winning nine of his 50 starts and establishing himself as a top-class performer across both hurdles and fences. He initially emerged as a leading novice hurdler, securing Grade 2 victories at Wetherby and Haydock before claiming the prestigious Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in 2007, where he defeated Wichita Lineman.
Festival Glory Against the Odds
The pinnacle of his career came at the 2010 Cheltenham Festival when, as a 33-1 outsider, he captured the William Hill Trophy in a thrilling finish. Under jockey Paddy Aspell, Chief Dan George repelled the big race favourite The Package in an all-out drive to the line, holding on by a head to secure a memorable victory.
This triumph made Moffatt part of a select group to have recorded a Festival win both as a trainer and jockey, having previously won the 1995 County Hurdle on Home Counties. Chief Dan George contested the top staying hurdle prizes the following season and later attempted fences, though he didn't achieve another victory after his Festival success.
Retirement and Legacy
Following his racing career, which included completing the course in the 2011 Grand National (finishing well behind winner Ballabriggs), Chief Dan George was retired in December 2011. He spent his remaining years in retirement fields just a mile from Moffatt's yard in Cumbria, where he became a beloved character.
An Emotional Farewell
In his social media tribute, Moffatt expressed profound affection for the horse, writing: "Sometime in life we come across a horse, if you are lucky enough, that touches your soul. Chief Dan George was just that horse to me." He described the horse as "an amazing, no nonsense character and a true friend" whose memory would last his lifetime.
Moffatt reflected on the horse's journey from a six-year-old with 17 maiden races to becoming the highest-rated novice in the UK with a mark of 155, noting the privilege of training "a horse with the ability to take on the very best and beat them all from our small yard." The trainer concluded his tribute with the heartfelt words: "Rest in peace my mate Dan, you will always be remembered."
