Grand National hero Amberleigh House has sadly died

Tributes have been paid to former Grand National winner Amberleigh House who has died at the age of 25 after suffering a bout of colic.

Tributes have been paid to former Grand National winner Amberleigh House who has died at the age of 25 after suffering a bout of colic.

The 2004 Aintree hero - who also won the Becher Chase over the famous fences in 2001 - lost his battle following an operation after being diagnosed with the condition on Good Friday.

Having finished third on his first outing in the world's greatest steeplchase in 2003 behind Monty's Pass, the Halewood family-owned gelding returned 12 months later to go two places better and give Ginger McCain his fourth win in the race, 27 years after Red Rum's third victory.

After being retired following his final outing in the National in 2006, Amberleigh House spent a period of time at the National Stud in Newmarket before living out his final days with trainer Lisa Williamson, sister of Judy Halewood.

Williamson said: "He paraded at the Grand National on the Saturday this year and he was absolutely full of it and he looked fantastic.

"He did his usual routine for the rest of the week, then on Good Friday morning he got colic. The day before he had been bucking and jumping around the field.

"We did operate on him and did everything we could to save him, but unfortunately he lost the battle. He enjoyed a very happy and busy retirement."

The Kelsall-based trainer has a number of fond memories from the various visits and activities outside of racing that he was involved in.

She added: "When we went to Alder Hey Children's Hospital, that horse knew there were sick children there and he knew when to turn it on for them.

"We took him to Liverpool Airport last year to welcome passengers off the plane. I don't think there are too many thoroughbreds that would have stood next to a plane like that. He never turned a hair.

"He brought so much joy to the family, as he was such a big part of it."

Donald McCain was another to pay tribute after describing him as the "most wonderful little racehorse".

The Cholmondeley handler said: "I remember dad coming back from Ireland saying that he had bought a Grand National horse after seeing him win at Punchestown.

"He brought him home and he was only a little horse, but he was the most wonderful little racehorse. He was the most amazing athlete.

"He was just a pleasure to be around and a Christian to do anything with. When he was on the gallops he almost grew three or four inches and you could not do enough work with him."

Having helped his father prepare Amberleigh House for his moment in the sun, McCain has treasured memories from that day.

He added: "I always said if they get to the Canal Turn the second time around in the Grand National it has justified your season.

"Graham Lee was riding him patiently and I was looking behind rather than in front. We thought he was going to be fourth, then third. We never thought he would win it until after the last.

"It was a very special feeling for my dad as much as anything as he had been called a one-horse man, but he found this horse and brought him back over to win."