Charismatic Hurdler Harchibald Dies At 25

Charismatic hurdler Harchibald (Fr) (Perugino) has died at the age of 25 according to published reports. Best known for his close second in the 2005 Champion Hurdle to Hardy Eustace (Ire) (Archway {Ire})), the five-time Grade 1 winner was enjoying his retirement in Ireland.

All told, his record stands at 14 wins from 48 starts, with wins in the Fighting Fifths (2004/2007), a pair of Christmas Hurdles (2004/2008) and the John James McManus Memorial Hurdle in Ireland (2005) among his victories. Bred by Ecurie Bouchard Jean-Lo, the bay was trained for the majority of his career by trainer Noel Meade in the colours of DP Sharkey. He was retired in 2009 at the age of 10.

“Hail the King, our King is dead,” Noel Mead Racing posted on X. “Harchi was my favourite horse of all time. I know on occasions he annoyed people and for sure he annoyed me but we had great days together, Paul Carberry, Harchi & myself. Never to be forgotten and I'd like to thank Johnny and Danielle Hurley for looking after him so well in his retirement. He became part of the family with them. R.I.P. old friend.”