'Wonderful' Halmahera put down

Three-time Portland Handicap winner Halmahera has been put down following a second attack of colic.

The 12-year-old was kept as a pet at Kevin Ryan’s yard in North Yorkshire since his retirement from racing two years ago.

Halmahera won nine of his 101 races and was placed on 20 other occasions.

Ryan told the Racing Post: “Winning three Portlands in a row was a great feat and he was just a wonderful horse to train, so uncomplicated.

“He has had a great life, it is sad it had to end this way.”