Shergar mediator reveals IRA informer knew secret code word

The racing pundit who mediated with Shergar’s kidnappers has told how the IRA informer who claimed the horse was shot shortly after he was snatched knew secret codes used during the hostage talks.

Mystery has always surrounded the fate of the most valuable racehorse in the world after he was taken at gunpoint from Ballymany Stud in 1983.

Derek Thompson, who worked for ITV’s racing team at the time, was one of three horseracing journalists who was asked by the IRA to conduct the hostage talks in Belfast.