ON Friday Howard Johnson’s yard, and racing in general, were mourning the death of Inglis Drever, the only horse to win the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival three times.

The ten-year-old, who retired in January this year, underwent surgery on Thursday after being found lying in a field at owner Graham Wylie’s stud at Humshaugh in Northumberland, but his condition worsened on Friday morning.

Inglis Drever, won 17 races from 35 starts earning nearly £800,000 in prize-money. Thirteen of his victories came over hurdles after he was recruited from Sir Mark Prescott’s Flat stable for 110,000 guineas.

At Kelso on Saturday after Silk Drum had made a winning start over fences for Graham Wyile, the owner said: “Yesterday was very difficult. I walk around the house and there are photos everywhere, all his trophies and DVDs.

“I have very happy memories, but on a day like today it’s very distressing.”

Johnson was also distressed saying: “I’ve not seen the lovely horse since he left here for his retirement; I will never have one like this to win three World Hurdle and an Order Of Merit. He’s been my pride and joy and I will never get another to replace him.”

Inglis Drever was ridden at Cheltenham by three different jockeys, the last of them being Denis O’Regan who said: “Words can’t describe how much of a legend he truly was.

“He had a fantastic racing career and will be remembered for a very long time. I was very lucky to ride him and his final World Hurdle win was a wonderful performance.”

Staying on a sombre theme, Barry Keniry faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a broken leg at Kelso on Saturday.

The Leyburn-based jockey was riding The Shy Man for the George Moore stable when he came crashing down from fences from the finish.

Yesterday he underwent surgery on the injured leg in the Boarders Hospital, and it remains to be seen just how long the Irishman will be out of action.

This week’s local racing kicks off today at Pontefract where there is an eight race card due of at 2.10pm.

The highlight race at the West Yorkshire comes up at 3.40pm, a Listed race over the one mile trip.

Among the 11 runners is Hot Prospect, who looks a very interesting colt. Trained by Michael Jarvis, he was a very impressive winner at Sandown last time out and with Kieren Fallon booked he could just turn out to be a very Hot Prospect.