Commanche Court put down at age 16

COMMANCHE COURT, who won the Irish Grand National in 2000 for Ted Walsh, was put down yesterday at the age of 16.

Owned by Dermot Desmond, the son of Commanche Run was a 14-1 shot that day at Fairyhouse, when partnered by the trainer’s son Ruby.

Commanche Court won the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in 1997 under Norman Williamson and enjoyed 11 victories in total while trained by Walsh.

But he produced perhaps his greatest performance of all in defeat in 2002 when going down by a length and three parts against Best Mate in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He had his last race in 2005.