Death of Moscow Flyer

The racehorse Moscow Flyer, most associated with Drumree jockey Barry Geraghty, has died at the age of 22.

Twice winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham, in 2003 and 2005, he also won the Tingle Creek in 2003 and 2004, and the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2002. His trainer was Jessica Harrington, of the Summerhill Fowler family.

Owned by Brian Kearney, Moscow Flyer proved a high class Hurdler in his early career. However the switch to chasing and his partnership with Barry Geraghty saw Moscow Flyer cement his place amongst the greatest of greats.

A four length victory in the 2002 Arkle highlighted Moscow’s ability, and 12 months later he returned to Cheltenham to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase by an impressive seven lengths. Moscow Flyer continued to dominate the division for a further two years, winning all completed starts.

In 2006, Moscow Flyer was retired from racing, boasting a race record to be envied by all including two Queen Mother Champion Chases and two Tingle Creek victories. In 2007, whilst in retirement, Moscow Flyer, added another victory to his 26 wins under rules when Kate Harrington rode the legendary chaser to a comfortable victory in the Punchestown Festival Charity Flat Race. This saw Moscow welcomed by a rousing reception to his rightful place in the winners’ enclosure for one last time.

In 2012, Moscow Flyer was relocated to The Irish National Stud where he joined other ‘Living Legends’ team alongside greats such as Kicking King, Beef Or Salmon and Hardy Eustace. He has enjoyed a happy retirement and has been able to meet his legions of adoring fans who have come from far and wide to see the great chaser. Moscow Flyer was also the Irish Horse Welfare Trust Equine Ambassador and made public appearances for the equine welfare charity promoting the work they do.

Moscow Flyer will be forever immortalised through his fearless jumping, those historic battles against titans of the sport Azertyuiop, Flagship Uberalles & Well Chief. He epitomised National Hunt racing at its finest with the highs and lows, the thrills and spills and the gladiatorial nature of a great sport.