Grand National-winning grey Neptune Collonges led the procession at the funeral of his owner John Hales in emotional scenes on Tuesday afternoon.
Multi-millionaire soft-toy magnate Hales died at the age of 85 in January and it was only fitting that the horse responsible for his greatest triumph as an owner pay tribute to a titan of the racing industry.
Neptune Collonges was rated 33-1 ahead of the 2012 iteration of the iconic race, but challenged with Daryl Jacob aboard until the last.
The horse won the day by a nose past Sunnyhillboy, providing – to date – the closest-ever finish in the Aintree spectacle’s history.
Neptune Collonges won a staggering £1.3million over the 16 wins of his career for his owner, who referred to him as ‘Nipper’.
And racing fans were touched by the commemoration Neptune Collonges paid to his fallen owner, the horse standing perfectly still at the entrance to St Mary Magdelene’s Church in Shropshire.
Grand National winner Neptune Collonges was on parade for his owner John Hales’ funeral
The grey’s last-gasp Grand National win in 2012 remains the closest-run race in the Aintree spectacle’s history
Hales (left) owned horses with fellow racing devotee Sir Alex Ferguson – and the pair won the Ryanair Steeplechase with Protektorate at last year’s Cheltenham Festival
Also present to pay their respects were fellow racing devotee Sir Alex Ferguson and trainers including Paul Nicholls and Dan Skelton.
Hales owned a number of horses with the legendary Manchester United manager, including Caldwell Potter, Protektorat, Monmiral, and Regent’s Stroll, which the pair purchased for a then-world record £660,000.
Hales bought his first runner in the mid-1990s, the aptly named The Toyman, who tragically fell and died in his maiden race in Hales’ colours.
But significant investment in prize-winning horses such as Azertyuiop and Politologue, and the King George-winning One Man saw Hales amass an impressive reputation in the paddock.
Skelton described Hales as a ‘great man’ and in the wake of his death last month, Nicholls shared a touching tribute to his former owner.
‘It is with great sadness to report that John Hales passed away last evening,’ Nicholls wrote on social media. ‘A great man and a fantastic owner and friend for many people.
‘Thoughts with his wife Pat and his wonderful family. He will be missed by so many in racing. RIP John.’
The Jockey Club added that he was ‘an instantly recognisable and passionate owner and supporter of British racing who will be greatly missed at racecourses across the country.’
