Kicking King Death And Obituary – King George victor and Cheltenham Gold Cup champion The Irish National Stud has reported the death of Kicking King, who was 25 years old.
Kicking King, who was ridden by Tom Taaffe, amassed a total of six Grade One victory over fences, sandwiching his outstanding triumph in the 2005 Gold Cup between victories in King George VI Chase at Kempton and Sandown.
Following the latter victory, he missed more than two years of competition due to a tendon injury. Unable to regain his previous level of performance, he retired in 2008 and moved in with other “Living Legends” including Hardy Eustace, Hurricane Fly, and Faugheen at the Irish National Stud.
Speaking on the stud website, Taaffe said, “Kicking King was a natural, athletic horse with balance – a terrific horse for Conor Clarkson (owner), Barry Geraghty and all our crew.
He served as a spokesperson for racing and had the good fortune to live again under the expert supervision of the Irish National Stud.
“He provided the Taaffe family with many memorable experiences, but the day he won the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown stands out in my mind. John was a dear friend to all of us, and Kicking King put up a special display of galloping and jumping that day.
“The Gold Cup was all you hope for. He was a blessing to have around.
With two exceptions, Geraghty rode Kicking King in each of his 28 career starts.
“It is terribly upsetting to learn about Kicking King’s passing. He was a great celebrity and a huge, strong horse who loved to race, the man claimed.
He gave Tom Taaffe, Conor Clarkson, and I some memorable days. He provided us many more memorable days with his outstanding exploits, winning the Gold Cup and two King Georges.
We enjoyed taking the family out to see him at the National Stud, where he enjoyed a great retirement and was well taken care of by everyone, especially Leona Harmon.
Kicking King was the horse of a lifetime for Clarkson. He said: “Kicking King took my family, friends, and I on a journey through horse racing that only a select few people get to experience.
“I would want to express my gratitude to Tom Taaffe and his crew for their superb handling of Kicking King, which allowed him to do so much with the amazing Barry Geraghty aboard.
“I am so thrilled that he spent so many happy years giving the public enjoyment in the unmatched care of the Irish National Stud,” the author said.