PUNTERS were left devastated after heroic 66-1 Royal Ascot winner Reshoun tragically died aged nine.
The Patrick Morris-trained stayer sadly broke down during a two-mile Class 3 contest at Beverley.
Reshoun won his place in punters' hearts with his massive win at the big summer meet in 2021.
Then trained by Ian Williams, he was sent off 66-1 for the Ascot Stakes.
Ridden by subsequent champion jockey William Buick, Reshoun battled like a true warrior to just see off Willie Mullins' M C Muldoon under Ryan Moore by a short head.
Totally unfancied in the market, he rocketed to 108 (107-1) on the Betfair Exchange.
Even now he remains the third biggest-priced Royal Ascot winner ever on the machine.
Williams actually gave up on his longshot as the finish line neared and was shocked to see him staying on gamely.
Victory there brought with it a cheque for £35,100 and Reshoun won more than £260,000 during the course of his 45-race career.
Williams was among the first to pay tribute to his former charge after he sadly could not be saved.
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He tweeted: "Really sad news today @Beverley_Races that Reshoun for Pat Morris lost his life.
"Reshoun was a grand stayer who gave all at Dominion Racing Stables a memorable day in 2021 when he was so brave at Royal Ascot.
"Condolences to all his connections at Avenue House. RIP Reshoun."
One Beverley punter wrote: "Such a shame surrounding the very sad news about Reshoun."
Another said: "He was a grand old boy. Sleep tight Reshoun."
While another fan wrote online: "Desperately sad to hear this, Reshoun was a legend, tough as anything and kept coming back year on year.
"Gutted for everyone involved that he has passed away today."
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