Ballabriggs was crowned champion of Aintree after a triumphant run in 2011

Tributes have been paid to 2011 Grand National-winning horse, Ballabriggs. The Donald McCain trained horse has died at the age of 25. A statement posted to X by Donald McCain Racing confirmed the news this afternoon, Monday, November 9.

The emotional tribute said: "I'm really sad to report that our Grand National-winning hero Ballabriggs has passed away at the age of 25. We're all eternally grateful for the amazing days and memories he gave us, and for allowing me to achieve a lifetime ambition of winning the Grand National in 2011.

"After the most fantastic career, he got to enjoy a long and wonderfully happy retirement at Mr Hemmings' Ballaseyr Stud on the Isle of Man, where he will be laid to rest."

Tributes paid for Grand National winner

The special horse, ridden by Jason Maguire, was the first victory in the world's greatest steeplechase for his trainer and the second victory over the famous fences for owner Trevor Hemmings. For Trevor, he was the second horse to win the National sporting his colours.

Ballabriggs won seven of his 28 starts and finished in the first three on a further nine occasions. His best day away from Aintree came at the Cheltenham Festival in 2010, when he won the Kim Muir at odds of 9-1.

On X, other tributes paid for the Aintree champion included one from At the Races, who said: "A national treasure. RIP to the brilliant Cheltenham and Grand National hero Ballabriggs."

Aintree Racecourse shared a touching tribute, it said: "We're sad to learn that Ballabriggs has passed away at age 25. He lived a long and happy retirement at Trevor Hemmings' Ballaseyr Stud where we visited him earlier this year. The 2011 Grand National winner is etched into racing history and our thoughts are with all connections."

Racing fans share heartfelt memories

Racing fans have shared their memories of the horse. On X, JB shared photos of his family petting Ballabriggs. He said: "Very sad news about Ballabriggs. For my two young boys it was their first introduction to the Grand National. They loved the homecoming party at Bankhouse, it was an honour and a privilege to be there."

Earlier this year, the racing community was devastated by another loss. The surprise 66-1 Grand National-winning horse Auroras Encore died at the age of 23.

The winner of eight races, he also finished second in the Scottish National and earned more than £725,000 in prize money for trainer Sue Smith. His career ended a year after his Aintree victory.

In May, Joel Parkinson and Sue Smith Racing posted: "After his racing days were over, he spent his retirement here with us on the farm, enjoying the peaceful life he deserved.

"He was a much-loved horse with a kind nature and a big personality, and he remained part of the family right until the very end.

"We feel incredibly lucky to have cared for him throughout his retirement and to have shared so many years with such a remarkable horse. Rest easy, champion. You will always be remembered and never forgotten."