Mick Fitzgerald was amongst those that paid tribute to Sir Robert Ogden, who died on the age of 86.
Whereas Ogden’s pursuits in recent times have been in Flat attributable to dwelling overseas within the winter, his past love was initially Nationwide Hunt Racing.
Fitzgerald, in his function as steady jockey for Nikki Henderson, rode some massive winners in Ogden’s pink and purple silk with high-end artists akin to Marlborough and Iris Royal and in addition collaborated with See Extra Enterprise later in his profession.
“I have been very lucky to have at all times had a superb relationship with him and I believe my greatest reminiscences of him had been a visit to France that a couple of of us took on his non-public aircraft,” Fitzgerald stated.
“I actually, Joe Tizard, assume Paul Nichols was with us, his racing director Barry Simpson and his stud supervisor Gary (Norton) went to Paris to see a few of the horses.
“We went for lunch after that and mainly had a superb afternoon! He was a really humble man, I loved our firm and received alongside properly with him.
“He beloved supporting the northern scene too and I keep in mind profitable the Feltham race over Ungaro from Keith Rivelli, it was an ideal day. It was such an necessary day for Keith and I used to be so comfortable to be part of that for them.
“He purchased into See Extra Enterprise after profitable the Gold Cup and went on to win good races just like the Martell Cup in his colors. He additionally had a Marlboro which was an excellent horse.
“I’ve some very stunning photos, and it is a actually good image of Marlboro profitable at Cheltenham, and I had a whole lot of success in his colors.”
Jonjo O’Neill educated Ogden’s high-class Unique Dancer, though it was unlucky that he was concurrently with Kauto Star and Denman.
Nevertheless, in 2006 he gained the function chases on the Cheltenham conferences in November and December, joined the elite roster, and completed second within the Gold Cup that season, in addition to wins on the Cotswold Chase and Betfair Bowl.
After that, Kauto Star discovered his method in on many events, however managed to keep away from it by going to win the Lexus Chase in Leopardstown in 2008.
Jonjo O’Neill (proper), AP McCoy and Unique Dancer after profitable the 2008 Lexus Chase in Leopardstown
O’Neill tweeted: “So unhappy to listen to of the passing of Sir Robert Ogden. We had some nice days with the Unique Dancer, particularly profitable a Lexus and second within the Gold Cup. He was an exquisite gentleman who will sadly be missed. My ideas are along with his household and mates.”
David Dennis, now a coach, shared the Kingsmark crew educated by Martin Todhunter to win three Edward Hamner Memorial chases at Haydock.
Posted: “Unhappy information of the passing of Sir Robert Ogden. My condolences to his household. I’ve fond reminiscences of when most of the day’s winners got here again to him – notably Kingsmark for profitable 3 consecutive Edward Hamner Chase Memorials within the days of parole. #greatdays.”
