Rooster Booster dies (From Gazette Series)

Rooster Booster dies

ROOSTER BOOSTER, the 2003 Champion Hurdle winner, has died suddenly while training on the gallops.

Owned by Cam businessman Terry Warner, the 11-year-old grey collapsed during preparation for the Stan James Christmas Hurdle at Sandown Park on Boxing Day.

His Minehead-based trainer Philip Hobbs said: "He died of either a haemorrhage or a heart attack. We're not sure yet."

Rooster Booster is best known for his runaway victory in the 2003 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Often front-running his way to victory, the grey was narrowly seen off by Hardy Eustace when trying to retain his crown in 2004 but finished back in the field this year.

Hobbs added: "At least he died enjoying what he did best."

Regular jockey Richard Johnson was deeply shocked at the death of the horse.

He said: "He gave me one of the highlights of my career when winning the Champion Hurdle. It was a fantastic day and I'll never forget him."